Equatorial Guinea Government Resigns After Missing 90% of Targets

The government of Equatorial Guinea has resigned after failing to meet key performance targets, marking a major political shake-up in the oil-rich Central African nation.

Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue announced on Tuesday that Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua had submitted the resignation of the entire government after a review found that ministers had achieved less than 10 per cent of their assigned objectives.

According to the vice-president, the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to accountability in public service.

“The degree of execution achieved is clearly insufficient in relation to the expectations and commitments undertaken,” Obiang wrote on X, adding that public responsibility must be accompanied by measurable results.

The outgoing government was appointed in 2024 by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled Equatorial Guinea since seizing power in 1979 and remains the world’s longest-serving head of state.

In a statement, the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) said the president had expressed deep dissatisfaction with the performance of ministers, accusing the government of fostering corruption, misusing public resources and failing to drive economic diversification.

The party said the administration had not adequately implemented policies aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imports, particularly through increased investment in agriculture and domestic production.

Officials also pointed to delays in development projects and the use of state resources for personal interests as reasons behind the government’s poor evaluation.

Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers on a per-capita basis, Equatorial Guinea continues to face significant economic challenges. The country’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, which account for the overwhelming majority of exports and government income.

However, declining oil production and fluctuating global demand have weakened economic growth in recent years, while much of the country’s estimated 1.8 million citizens continue to face poverty despite decades of petroleum wealth.

The presidency is expected to announce a new cabinet in the coming days as authorities seek to reinvigorate economic reforms and improve government performance.