Equatorial Guinea: A dismal record of broken promises

Index Number: AFR 24/009/1995
Date Published: 11 July 1995
Categories: Africa, Equatorial Guinea

Promises to respect human rights, made repeatedly since the adoption of a multi-party political system in 1992, have proved to be empty gestures, this report claims. Such promises are made when the country's record is under scrutiny or when the donor community threatens to cut aid. Once further aid has been pledged, repression of peaceful political activity resumes undiminished. This report outlines AI's concerns in Equatorial Guinea during the period April 1994 to May 1995. It describes some 30 cases of arbitrary detention and other cases of unfair trial and torture. It notes the escalation of human rights violations at crucial times such as during the compilation of an electoral census prior to the holding of municipal elections.