A small country the size of Maryland located on the central west coast of Africa, Equatorial Guinea is one of the smallest and most unknown nations in the world. The CIA estimates the population of Equatorial Guinea (or EG for short) to be about 616,000 (fyi, the population of Maryland is 5.6 million). Unlike most Sub Saharan African nations, EG is fairly homogeneous, with about 85% of the population being Fang. The other ethnicity's are the Bubi (6.5%), and the Mdowe (3.6%), with the rest being others. The life expectancy of EG is better than most African nations, it is 60 for men and 62 for women. About 95% of the nation is Catholic, but traditional native rituals are still common in rural areas.For most of its history, the area that became EG was viewed by both Europeans and Africans as useless jungle. After being passed around between different "owners", Spain formally colonized the area in the 19th century. However, it was not until the early 20th century that Spain established real rule over most of the mainland . The only legacy of Spain's only African colony was Roman Catholicism and the Spanish language (a good amount of the population does know some Spanish).
In the 1960's, as the rest of Europe gave up their African colonies, pressure was put on Spain to do so also. Spain, then under dictator Francisco Franco, was not in the mood to rush, or do anything to prepare the nation for statehood. In 1968, Spain allowed elections and gave independence to EG later on in the year. The winner of the election was one of the most unknown leaders in history, Francisco Macias Nguema. This man is so unknown that I don't even know what he did before becoming President. Here is the only picture I could find claiming to be of Francisco (and it wasn't sourced):
Nguema quickly turned into one of the most brutal dictators in world history. He quickly made himself President for Life, and executed most of the politicians in the nation. Fishing was banned and almost all the boats in the nation were rounded up and destroyed. Suddenly, the population lost a huge portion of its diet. The word "intellectual" was also banned as Nguema's speeches turned long winded nasty attacks at Spain and all things European. All churches were closed and the clergy was expelled. All of EG's school's were next to be closed. The cocoa plantations the Spanish had built to make EG profitable were destroyed and with them went the economy. Then, in the mainland part of the nation, the very few roads leading out of EG were mined. As the 1970's continued, political executions grew more common as people were jailed, tortured, and sometime even killed on trumped up charges. One Christmas Day in the mid 1970's, over 100 people were executed, and hundreds more tortured in the national stadium, located in the capital city of Malabo. So that the locals couldn't hear the screams of the victims, Nguema had a 1960's British pop song "Those were the days" played on loudspeakers put up throughout the city. Nguema also gave himself fancy titles, the best known one being "Grand Master of Education, Science, and Culture". He also spoke much about having supernatural powers, and it made people even more afraid of him. By 1979, over one third of the population of EG had fled the nation- including Nguema's own wife.In the Summer of 1979, Nguema was overthrown in a coup led by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The coup was wildly popular as Nguema fled into the jungle in the mainland part of EG with suitcases full of cash. He was finally caught near the border and brought back to Malabo for trial in September. Because EG did not have an actual courthouse (and it still does not have one), the trial was held in a theater. Nguema was literally put into a cage which was then lifted to the ceiling. Nguema was found guilty and shot. Because no one EG would shoot the man they feared, the executioners had to be imported from Morocco. Nguema's nephew Obaing took over as President of EG.
A graduate of the Cranbrook Academy of Art (located outside of Detroit MI), Obaing got his start in EG politics in the 1970's in his uncle's military. For a while he was the head of Black Beach Prison in Malabo. Black Beach was then (and still is) the scene of much torture on political enemies. It is believed that some of the worst torture on Earth has occurred there, many on political opponents of the regime. Here is a picture of it taken a few years ago.
Though Obaing began his Presidency by releasing all political prisoners (who numbered in the thousands), reopening all churches, and reopening all schools, it was soon clear that Obinag was only a mild version of his uncle. Nothing was (or has) been done to rebuild the destroyed fishing industry. Throughout the 1980's, thousands were arrested on trumped up political crimes, and a cult of personality rose up around Obaing. He also staffed nearly all government posts with relatives of his (as well as relatives of his wife). Following the precedent made by other African dictators (including Uncle Francisco), Obaing allowed rumors to spread that he was a cannibal. Throughout EG, it was whispered that Obaing ate the testicles of his enemies. One opposition leader, Severo Moto (a Catholic priest) actually accused Obinag of wanting to eat his testicles while being interviewed in Spain - where he lives in exile - by a local radio station. As for EG's media, there was only 1 radio station (currently, where are 2), and there is a TV station, but most people in EG were (and still are) too poor to afford their own television. By the 1990, the vast majority of the population was living on a 2 dollars a day, while the nation's infrastructure continued to crumble (example, the only hotel in Malabo had no electricity). The World Bank the IMF actually ended all deals with EG because Obiang did nothing to end the rampant corruption (and most of the money the two groups gave EG usually ended up in the hands of Obaing and his cronies). Very few people even visited EG, and it looked like EG was going to remain perhaps the most unknown part of Africa.
However, between 1960 and 1990 oil was discovered in all the nations around EG. In the final years of Spanish rule, the Spanish government did allow some American oil companies to do some serious exploring, but nothing turned up. However, as more and more oil was found in the 1970's and 1980's in neighboring nations, many oil experts figured something had to be located there. In the early 1990's, the oil companies again came to EG. Finally, a small oil company based in Texas struck oil in 1996. Natural gas was located at the same time and the amounts found off the coasts of EG were staggering. Over 1 billion barrels of oil and over 35 billion cubic metric meters of natural gas were found.
Even though the US finally closed its embassy in EG in 1995 (after the last US ambassador was expelled on charges of witchcraft the previous year) on the grounds of the rampant human rights violations that Obaing committed, the US oil companies were quick to move in on EG. Everyone's favorite oil company, ExxonMobil, has become the largest presence in EG; since the mid 1990's, it invested over 6 billion dollars into EG. ChevonTexxico and the European oil company Hess also has strong presences in EG. After a decade of production, EG produces about 350,000 barrels of oil a day and over one billion cubic metric meters of natural gas has been harvested from EG. Over 3,000 American workers live in EG, manning the wells. The state makes about 3 billion dollars a year on oil wealth alone. According to the CIA, EG usually has a budget surplus of over 2 billion US dollars a year.
Now, I'm sure you're wondering about all those people in EG, the ordinary people still living in their dilapidated shacks on less than 2 dollars a day? Did Obaing behave like a Hugo Chavez or an Evo Morales and distribute the profits to the people in the form of an improved infrastructure, better education, medicine, and basic standards of living? Did he behave like a Arab emir, and eliminate nearly all taxes? Well, the answer to all these questions is no. The people of EG have not seen any of the billions EG now makes. They're still living on 2 dollars a day, and now, thanks to EG's lack of enviormental laws, now inhale some of the most polluted air in the world.
So where did all that money go? Well in 2002 Obaing granted an interview to the BBC. During the interview, the journalist asked Obaing where is the mission billions. Obaing responded that the location was a state secret and he could not tell anyone where it was being held. Obaing has always been generous to grant interviews to foreign journalists, besides the BBC, Obaing has been interviewed by 60 Minuets. When asked about the human rights violations, Obiang has always politely denied the accusations and said his political enemies make up stories to discredit him. However, should any journalist try to explore the conditions that most of the people of EG live in, they usually get arrested and deported.
Currently, Forbes lists Obiang's personal wealth at 600 million US dollars, making him one of the wealthiest leaders in the world. Obiang also owns 6 airplanes, one of which has a king size bed and gold plated facet taps. Obiang personally owns property in South Africa and in the US, much of it in the DC area. Obiang also has a suite at a luxury hotel in Paris kept on reserve for him at all times. It is also reported that Obiang is a huge fan Johnnie Walker and keeps plenty of it around (I couldn't find out which label he preferred). Here is a picture I found of Obiang and his wife living the good life.
Obiang is not the only one in his family to enjoy the good life. His eldest son Teodoro jr is probably one of the most flamboyant presidential children anywhere in the world. Officially, he is currently the Minister for Agriculture and Forestry in EG's government, but he usally is absent from government meetings. Teodoro jr has property in South Africa, France, and the US. He recently brought a 16 acre estate in Malibu CA, complete with a 15,000 square foot house (with 8 bathrooms), a pool, and tennis courts. Nearly all of Teodoro's Malibu neighbors are celebrities - his immediate neighbors are Mel Gibson, Brittney Spears, and James Cameron. It is reported that Teodoro Jr paid over 35 million for this property. At his Malibu property, Teodoro jr keeps a large fleet of luxury sports cars. And in Malibu Teodoro has entered the hip-hop industry, being a rap producer (remember he is also Minister for Agriculture and Forestry back in EG). It is reported that Terdoro jr has also had affairs with several female rappers. Not bad for a man whose official salary is $1,500 a month.
So I'm sure you're wondering about the political situation. Well, in the 1990's, Obiang, in hopes of getting back into favor with the World Bank and the IMF, officially established democracy in EG. However, it soon become clear to everyone that it was a sham, as the party Obiang belongs to the PDGE won most of the seats and few opposition members dissapered. By 2002, the PDGE and it's allies controlled (and still do) all but 2 seats in the 100 member legislature. Obiang also held Presidential elections in 1998 and 2002, winning with over 98% of the vote both times.
So I'm sure you're thinking, a ruthless dictator who pockets all of his nation's oil wealth must be shunned around the world. Well, the answer is, no. Since the discovery of EG's vast amount of oil and natural gas, Obiang has become a well traveled individual. Let's see where he's been.
Here is Obiang in Washington DC with Sceratary of State Condolezza Rice
Here is Obiang (who claims to be a devout Catholic) with Pope Benedict XVI (a couple of years before this picture was taken, an EG government spokesman declared Obiang a devine being and that he could kill anyone he wants to because he's on daily contact with God)
Here is Obiang with former French President Jacques Chirac
Here is Obiang with President Hu Jintao of China
Here is Obiang with fellow African dictator President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe
Here is Obiang with President Idriss Deby of Chad (see my issue on Chad to learn about him) and former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria
Here is Obiang in Dubai
Here is Obiang with President Anibal Cavaco Silva and Prime Minister Jose Socrates of Portugal
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Here is Obiang with Cuban President Raul Castro
Here is Obiang with President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva of Brazil
Here is Obiang with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina
Here is Obiang with former UN head Kofi Annan
And in EG's former colonial overlord, Spain, Obiang gets the royal treatment
And here we see Obiang with Spainish Pime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero
The coup attempt of 2004
Though Obiang used the excuse of coup plots to arrests his real and imagined enemies, nearly all of these stories were false. Then, in March 2004, a real coup plot was exposed. The brains behind this plot was an English mercanary, Simon Mann. Mann and 67 other mercanaries (almost all being South Africans - both White and Black) were arrested in Zimbabwe, where their plane was being refueled. In EG, one Nick du Troit, a White South African, was arrested on charges of being the scout of the plot. As the plot became more revealed, it was clear that a whole number of shady characters were involved ranging from Ely Calil, a Leabonise oil millionare living in London, to Mark Thatcher, the son of former British PM Margaret Thatcher (Thatcher in his defense stated he was duped and many around him are convinced he is dumb enough to be duped so easily). Also involved was Servo Moto, the exilled Catholic priest living in Spain who used to go around stating Obiang wanted to eat his testicles. Moto agreed in return for being installed President of EG, he would give Mann, du Troit, Calil and others huge oil and gas consessions. Not surprisingly, a wave of repression followed the coup attempt and currently Mann, du Troit, and a few others are currently serving long sentences in Black Beach Prsion.
So how are things going to Equatorial Guinea? Well in 2003, George Bush had the US Embassy in Malabo reopened. Obiang is a regular in Washington and in Texas, where he is wined and dined by the oil companies and people of the Bush Administration. EG is now the 3rd largest oil producer in Africa. As the West contiunes to get off Mideast oil, West Africain oil is becoming the new source for its oil. Don't be surprised that the world will contiune to ignore EG as long as the oil and natural gas continues to flow.
Another Blue Collar state, Michigan is home of some of the most industrial parts of the country. The Blue Collar culture runs deep here, but lately, more and more factories (particularly auto) are shut down, and the legions of Industrial workers who call Michigan home have been getting angry with both parties (Michael Moore is from this group of people, and remember he has been tough on both parties). Lately, Michigan has been in the Democratic camp, but usually with razor thin margins. Like their brethren in OH and PA, Michigan Blue Collar workers are Reagan Democrats, who love their guns and are for God (though it should be pointed out most Regan Democrats are Catholic) and country. However, Michigan, like Ohio, has been one of the hardest hit areas in the economic downturn, and the unions still have some sway. Though Michigan's primary results were disqualified for being held to early, many in Michigan feel another Republican President will be an economic disaster for the state (plus many didn't like it when McCain said some lost jobs weren't coming back). Michigan also has a large African American population centered in Detroit, and expect a huge get out the vote drive there.
Florida, the state whose stolen electoral votes gave Bush the victory he needed in 2000 is again in play. With so many different demographics, both parties have a hard time in getting large majorities, though the current demographics do favor Republicans. However, most Floridians are opposed to off shore drilling, considering that many of these wells that everyone is talking about will be drilled in Florida waters and in Florida, the locals of both parties are terrified of losing millions of tourist dollars should drilling commence at the rate many Republicans want it to. Wildly popular Republican Governor Charlie Crist was until recently a major opponent to off shore drilling, and many suspect his recent change of heart has more to with orders from above rather than through personal conviction. Democrats are also trying to get the large Cuban community based in Miami. Traditionally one of most staunchly Republican groups in the country, the younger generation of Cuban Americans are being turned off by what they view as racism in the national Republican Party, and also feel that the embargo on their parents and grandparents home island is way to harsh. Also, Florida has large communities of Haitians, Puetro Ricans, and Dominicans, all of whom are loyal Democrats. And don't forget the large number of Northerners who have moved to Florida, taking their more liberal ways with them. However, the northern half of Florida is still a Republican stronghold, with the legions of the Christian Right ready to vote the way their pastors tell them to. Watch the fight for Florida get nasty in the coming weeks.
Colorado has four main demographics. First we have the legions of the Christian Right who are identical to their Southern and Plains counterparts, and in many ways, more fanatical (In fact, many of your political organizations of the Christian Right are based in Colorado). Next we have the growing community of progressives in the Denver area and in the ski areas, many of whom are West Coast transplants who brought their West Coast values with them. Then we have the even faster growing Hispanic community. Finally, we have your traditional libertarian Republicans living in the more rural areas. In 2006, Democrat Bill Ritter was elected Governor by a landslide and the Democrats also picked up a congressional seat. The Hispanic coumminity is very loyal to the Democratic Party, in part because Tom Tancredo, one of the major opponents of illegal immigration and legal immigration (and one of the most racist in his attacks on Hispanic immigratns), happens to represent Colorado's 6th district in the House of Reps. The Democrats hosted their convention in Denver this year in aprt to bring Colorado into the Democratic camp for the first time 1992. Watch for a large get out the vote drive as well as a firece fight for the liberatian Republicans and some of the surbanites.
Nevada is really 2 separate places, Las Vegas, and the rest of the state. Vegas is home to a large Hispanic popualtion (about 20% of the total population), many of whom are employed by the casinos in the service sector. These legions of Hispanic (many of whom are Mexican) waiters, busboys, dishwashers, maids, cleaners, gardeners, and contruction workers are what makes your visit to Vegas confortable and convenient. If it wasn't for these hard working immigrants (many of whom are working for crappy wages), Vegas wouldn't be the great destination it is today. While the casino bosses and owners tend to vote Republican, the Hispanic community tends to vote for the Democrats. Though Hillary won this group by a landslide, many were quick to jump on the Obama bandwagon once it was clear who was going to win the nomination. It is the rest of the state that is in play. This is the old school Nevada, home of libertarian ranchers and mine owners living in small towns and with the odd bordello or 2, a holdover from the frontier era. While many are very conservative, many are disgusted with the recent behavor of the Republican Party and many are open to voting Democratic. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is from Nevada, and he is wildly popular there, winning by a landslide back in 2004. The Republican Govenor, Jim Gibbons, however, is even more unpopular than Bush is and is embrolled in quite a few scandals, ranging from bribery to employing an illegal immigrant to sexual assult. Watch these 2 factors come into play as both parties try to woo the more rural parts of the state.