Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
- Full name: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
- Born: June 5, 1942
- Birthplace: Acoacán, Río Muni, Spanish Guinea
- Nationality: Equatoguinean
- Occupation: Politician, military officer
- Political party: Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE)
- Spouse: Constancia Mangue Nsue Okomo
- Children: Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Ruslan Obiang Nsue, Judith Obiang Nsue, Armengol Obiang Nguema, and others
- Education: Military Academy of Zaragoza, Spain
- Military service: Spanish Army, Equatoguinean Armed Forces
Early life and career
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was born on June 5, 1942, in Acoacán, Río Muni, Spanish Guinea. He is the son of Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, a member of the Fang ethnic group, and María Mbasogo Nguema, a member of the Esangui ethnic group. Obiang Nguema attended primary school in Acoacán and then went on to study at the National Institute of Equatorial Guinea in Bata. After graduating from high school, he joined the Spanish Army and served in the Spanish Sahara. In 1969, he returned to Equatorial Guinea and joined the newly formed Equatoguinean Armed Forces.
Rise to power
In 1979, Obiang Nguema led a military coup that overthrew President Francisco Macías Nguema. He was subsequently appointed as the new President of Equatorial Guinea. In 1982, he was elected to a seven-year term as President. He has been re-elected several times since then and is currently serving his sixth term in office.
Presidency
Obiang Nguema's presidency has been characterized by authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. He has been accused of suppressing political dissent, torturing political prisoners, and rigging elections. He has also been criticized for his lavish lifestyle and his close ties to foreign oil companies.
Despite the criticism, Obiang Nguema has managed to maintain power for over four decades. He has done this by relying on a combination of military force, political repression, and economic patronage. He has also been able to benefit from the country's oil wealth, which has helped to finance his regime.
Controversies
Obiang Nguema has been involved in a number of controversies throughout his presidency. In 1996, he was accused of ordering the massacre of over 100 people in the city of Bata. In 2009, he was accused of using state funds to purchase a luxury yacht. In 2017, he was accused of ordering the torture and killing of political prisoners.
Personal life
Obiang Nguema is married to Constancia Mangue Nsue Okomo. They have seven children together. Obiang Nguema is a Roman Catholic. He speaks Spanish, French, and Fang.
Legacy
Obiang Nguema's legacy is likely to be a mixed one. He is credited with bringing stability to Equatorial Guinea after decades of turmoil. He has also overseen a period of economic growth, thanks in part to the country's oil wealth. However, he has also been accused of being a dictator who has ruled with an iron fist. His human rights record is poor, and he has been accused of corruption and nepotism.
