Ninety-eighth edition of the N&O column / Spooks newsletter

(Date: Sun, 04 Sep 2005 19:52:42 +0200)

Intelligence profile : Equatorial Guinea

Background

Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. President Obiang Nguema has ruled the country for over two decades since he overthrew his uncle, President Francisco Nguema, in 1979. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996 and 2002 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 legislative elections - were widely seen as being flawed. The president controls most opposition parties through the judicious use of patronage. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the country's living standards.

General

Country name	:	Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial (Republic of Equatorial Guinea)
Short name	:	Guinea Ecuatorial (Equatorial Guinea)
Former name	:	Spanish Guinea
Capital	:	Malabo
Administrative divisions	:	7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas.

Military & security

Information about the security services of Equatorial Guinea is scarce. According to public sources on the internet, the military forces consist of approximately 2500 service members, amongst them are ca. 400 para-military policemen.

Defense branches.
Ministry of National Defense, Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard (Guardia Nacional) and Rapid Intervention Force.
Department for National Security.
Other security bodies include the Department for National Security who is also responsible for the OCN and Gendarmerie.
The structure of the Department for National Security is as follows:

Department for National Security
	Secretary of National Security
		Delegate for the National Security
			General Inspector of Personal and Services
				Chief of the Technical Cabinet

General Director of National Security

General Director of Presidential Security
	National Central Office - OCN (Interpol)
	National Police (Gendarmerie)

Tasks that are assigned to the Department for National Security include:

Management and coordination of all State Security services throughout the country; including the local units and centers of the various bodies and State security forces.
Collection of intelligence. Counter-intelligence and counter-terrorist activities.
Selection, promotion and disciplinary regime of the units of the State security forces.
Participation in national security planning.
Present an annual report to the President and the Cabinet.

Sources

CIA World Factbook
http://www.geocities.com/asrwebpage/latinos.htm
http://www.ceiba-guinea-ecuatorial.org/guineees/depmtsecu.htm

Also thanks to those who wish to remain anonymous

Translations: Tony Paredes