Equatorial Guinea's entire cabinet resigns over unmet targets
Equatorial Guinea's entire cabinet has resigned after the government fell far short of its stated objectives, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue announced, in a striking admission of failure at the top of one of Africa's most tightly controlled states.
Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsuga tendered the government's resignation after it achieved only about 10 percent of its targets, according to the vice president. He said the level of execution was "clearly insufficient in relation to the expectations and commitments undertaken." Officials did not explain how the targets had been measured or set out a timetable for naming a new government.
The ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea pointed to corruption, repeated delays in development projects and a failure to diversify the economy as reasons for the leadership's dissatisfaction. The Central African nation is one of the continent's oil producers but has long struggled to convert energy revenue into broad-based development for its population.
Power in Equatorial Guinea remains concentrated in the hands of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled since 1979 and is the world's longest-serving head of state. The president appoints the government, meaning a cabinet's resignation does not by itself shift the underlying balance of power.
The announcement clears the way for a reshuffle as the administration seeks to project fresh momentum on the economy and stalled public projects. Analysts have repeatedly noted that meaningful change in the country has historically depended on decisions taken by the presidency itself.
