SUMMARY

[Note to reader: this Country page primarily contains brief information about state-based violence during the period 1946-1974, and to some extent 1975-1988. For more detailed information on organized violence after 1989, please consult the specific Conflict and Dyad pages available on the left-hand side of this page. These pages contain (when applicable) more detailed information regarding all three categories of organized violence in this country from 1989 and onwards, as well as detailed information about state-based violence 1975-1988. The left-hand side menu also contains links to Actor pages for all groups involved in organized violence since 1989 in this country, as well as actors involved in state-based violence 1975-1988.]

Equatorial Guinea was a Spanish colony until 1968 when it achieved its independence. It then changed its name from Spanish Guinea to Equatorial Guinea. Francisco Macías Nguema won the first presidential elections and was named president for life after he pushed for a change in constitution in 1972. His regime was authoritarian and repressive.

In 1979, Macías was overthrown in a coup instigated by a military faction. The military coup was led by Macías’ nephew Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Macías was tried and executed and Obiang subsequently took the presidential seat. Obiang was reelected many times but the elections were viewed as being marred by widespread fraud. Obiang’s maintained his power into the 21st century. He has been internationally criticised for his oppressive regime.

Since 1946 Equatorial Guinea has not experienced any violence meeting the UCDP criterias.