Equatorial Guinea: Failed coup d'etat attempt December 27-28

Event

Equatoguinean security forces reportedly thwarted a coup d'etat attempt against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo overnight from Wednesday, December 27, to Thursday, December 28. Details of the foiled coup attempt are still emerging. Heightened security measures are expected in the coming weeks following the failed coup attempt.

Context

Some 31 mercenaries were arrested in southern Cameroon before the failed coup as they attempted to enter Equatorial Guinea near the Cameroonian commune of Kye-Ossi, supposedly to facilitate the coup.

This is the second such attempt thwarted in Equatorial Guinea since 2004. The attempt also comes after recent elections held on November 17, in which the Equatorial Guinean Electoral Commission declared the country's ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) the overall winner of the legislative and municipal elections held in the country on November 12. The PDGE, led by President Teodoro Obiang, won every seat in the Senate, control of all local town councils in the country, and all but one seat in the Chamber of Deputies.

The opposition Citizens' Party for Innovation (CI) has claimed multiple incidents of electoral fraud, and at least 50 opposition activists have been detained at the Evinayong prison (central Equatorial Guinea) since the election. A hundred others have been seeking refuge for the past several days at the party headquarters, located in the Nkolo Mbong district of the economic capital Bata, to avoid ongoing nocturnal arrests being carried out at opposition activists' homes.

Advice

Individuals present in Equatorial Guinea are advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations due to the latent potential for violence, and abide by instructions issued by authorities.

On a separate note, many Western governments recommend maintaining vigilance at all times in the country due to relatively high crime rates in urban areas, including in the capital Malabo. Individuals present in the country should maintain a low profile as criminals may target foreigners due to their perceived affluence, be particularly vigilant after dusk, and avoid traveling by foot after nightfall. Criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted, and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and all personal possessions stored out of sight.​