Equatorial Guinea government resigns over unmet performance targets

The government of Equatorial Guinea has resigned after failing to achieve key performance targets set by the presidency, according to Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Mangue said the cabinet stepped down after recording only about 10 percent implementation of its objectives.

“The rule is simple: public responsibility has to come with results,” he wrote.

He added that the government had been provided with substantial human, material and financial resources to address citizens’ needs, but the level of execution fell far short of expectations.

“The degree of execution achieved is clearly insufficient in relation to the expectations and commitments undertaken,” he said.

Mangue, who is the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, did not disclose the specific targets the government failed to meet.

President Mbasogo, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1979 and is widely regarded as the world’s longest-serving leader, appointed the outgoing cabinet in 2024.

The administration was headed by Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, a former governor of the National Bank of Equatorial Guinea. Nsua had been tasked with implementing economic reforms aimed at improving living conditions, particularly for poorer citizens.

However, nearly two years later, Equatorial Guinea’s economy continues to struggle with declining oil production, reduced investment inflows and broader external economic pressures.

The country remains heavily dependent on the petroleum sector, with oil and gas accounting for the bulk of government revenues and export earnings.

In a separate statement, the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) said President Mbasogo was dissatisfied with the outgoing administration’s performance.

According to the party, the president criticised the government for failing to diversify the economy, especially through agricultural development that could reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods.

A new cabinet is expected to be announced in the coming days.