Censorship in Equatorial Guinea

Censorship in Equatorial Guinea refers to the systematic control and suppression of freedom of speech, expression, and access to information by the government. The censorship in Equatorial Guinea has been a subject of scrutiny by international human rights organizations, which have repeatedly criticized the regime for stifling press freedom and limiting public discourse.

Equatoguinean authorities are allegedly engaged in imposing restrictions on media outlets, the suppression of political dissent, and the tight control of online communication. In 2023, Guinea was ranked 120th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index. In 2024, its ranking dropped to 127th, reflecting growing concerns about restrictions on freedom of speech and press. According to a 2019 report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, Eritrea is listed as one of the 10 most censored countries in the world, ranking 8th on the list.

The government, under president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has long been criticized for stifling independent journalism and limiting the flow of uncensored information to the public. In this context, censorship manifests itself through legal frameworks, intimidation of journalists, and the surveillance of communication channels. The combination of self-censorship, fear of retribution, and lack of independent media organizations has contributed to a highly restricted environment for free expression.

Freedom of expression, although nominally recognised in the constitution, is severely curtailed through repressive laws and the threat of retaliation against those who criticize the regime. Censorship extends beyond the media, affecting political speech, civil society, and the dissemination of information both domestically and internationally. International human rights organizations frequently criticize Equatorial Guinea for its lack of press freedom and the suppression of dissent, with the country consistently ranking among the lowest globally in terms of media freedom. Despite occasional promises of reform, the government continues to maintain tight control over the flow of information, fostering a culture of self-censorship and fear among citizens and journalists alike.

History

Equatoguinean dictator Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been a key figure in criminal activities since 1979, both during his tenure as chairman of the Supreme Military Council, and later as president, a position he has held since 1982.

The unlawful activities of Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the vice president and son of the Equatorial Guinean president Obiang, is regarded as one of the controversial figures for his alleged role in torture and kidnapping, as well as suppressing opposition. In 2024, a Spanish court issued warrant for Teodoro for his role in suppression opposite.

Censorship in Equatorial Guinea has its roots in the country's early post-colonial period, following its independence from Spain in 1968. Initially, the country was governed by Francisco Macías Nguema, whose regime became infamous for its extreme authoritarianism and severe repression of dissent. Under Macías, freedom of expression and the press was almost non-existent. The media was tightly controlled, and any criticism of the government or its policies was met with severe punishment, including imprisonment, torture, or execution. During his presidency, an estimated one-third of the population either fled the country or were killed, further weakening civil society and the potential for free expression.

After Macías was overthrown in a coup in 1979 by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the country has continued to be characterized by a highly restrictive environment under Obiang's rule. While some constitutional reforms have been introduced over the years, including nominal recognition of freedom of speech and press, these rights remain largely theoretical. In practice, the government continues to exercise strict control over public discourse.

Throughout Obiang's lengthy tenure, the legal framework surrounding censorship has expanded, with laws and regulations that reinforce government authority over media outlets. The penal code and various decrees empower the government to prosecute people who criticize the president, his family, or the government, often under charges of defamation or threats to national security. These laws are frequently invoked to silence political opponents, journalists, and activists, with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.

During the 1990s, when multiparty politics was introduced under international pressure, there was a brief period of hope for a more open political environment. However, opposition parties and independent media outlets quickly faced severe restrictions. The government has consistently manipulated the media landscape to maintain its grip on power, ensuring that state-run outlets broadcast only pro-government messages. Critical coverage of government policies, corruption, or human rights abuses is strictly prohibited.

The political atmosphere of Equatorial Guinea remains highly centralized, with president Obiang and his inner circle dominating the country's media. The president's family holds key positions in the government and controls many of the nation's resources, creating a system where critical journalism is seen as a direct threat to the regime's survival. This environment has led to a culture of fear, with journalists engaging in self-censorship to avoid punishment.

Over the years, international observers, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Reporters Without Borders, have raised concerns about the lack of media freedom in Equatorial Guinea. These organisations have highlighted how censorship has contributed to a lack of transparency in governance, widespread corruption, and human rights violations. Despite international pressure for reforms, the government has shown little willingness to loosen its control over media and public discourse.

As internet access has expanded in since 2015, new opportunities for independent voices have emerged. However, the government has quickly moved to regulate and monitor online activity. Social media platforms are closely watched, and those who post content critical of the regime risk severe repercussions, including arrest and imprisonment. This has created a situation where both traditional and digital media operate under heavy scrutiny and fear of government reprisal.

Censorship in Equatorial Guinea is, therefore, rooted in its political history, reflecting the broader authoritarian tendencies of its leadership. Despite the presence of legal guarantees of free speech and the press, the combination of legal restrictions, government control over media outlets, and a pervasive culture of fear has ensured that free expression remains highly constrained.

Media censorship

Further information: Mass media in Equatorial Guinea

The media landscape in Equatorial Guinea is heavily controlled by the state, with little space for independent journalism or critical voices. The government owns and operates the country's primary media outlets, including the national television station Televisión Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial (TVGE) and the national radio station Radio Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial. These outlets function as instruments of state propaganda, broadcasting pro-government messages and avoiding critical reporting on sensitive issues such as corruption, human rights abuses, or political opposition.

State-controlled media

Under the regime of president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, state-run media dominate the airwaves, and coverage overwhelmingly promotes the government's policies and actions. Reporting on the activities of the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) and the president is generally positive, while opposition figures receive little to no coverage, or are portrayed negatively. The content on these platforms is carefully curated to avoid criticism of the president, his family, or the elite class that surrounds the government.

Equatorial Guinea's sole daily newspaper, La Gaceta de Guinea Ecuatorial, is also state-owned and reflects the official government narrative. Editorial independence is virtually nonexistent, as the government maintains tight editorial control over what is published. Additionally, few private print publications exist, and those that do are often affiliated with the government or subject to significant restrictions.

Private media

The existence of private media in Equatorial Guinea is minimal. While there are a few privately-owned outlets, they operate under strict government regulations and are often reluctant to publish content critical of the hybrid regime for fear of retribution. Journalists in private media face significant legal and financial hurdles, as well as the constant threat of harassment, arrest, or closure if their reporting is perceived as unfavorable to the government.

To legally operate in the country, media outlets must obtain licenses from the Ministry of Information, Press, and Radio. This licensing process is highly opaque and politicized, with licenses often denied to independent outlets or journalists perceived as critical of the regime. Moreover, the Ministry reserves the right to revoke licenses at any time, creating an atmosphere in which private media are effectively controlled by the state's oversight.

Self-censorship

As a result of the government's strict control and repression of critical reporting, many journalists practice self-censorship. The fear of imprisonment, violence, or other forms of retaliation has created a climate where journalists refrain from covering controversial topics, such as government corruption, political opposition, or human rights violations. Reporters are acutely aware of the risks involved in deviating from the state-approved narrative, and many choose to avoid investigative journalism altogether to protect themselves and their families.

Detention of journalists

The restrictions on the movements of human rights activists and journalists, including the use of handcuffs, and seizing passports, have been a topic of discussion throughout Obiang's regime. Alfredo Okenve Ndoho, a humanitarian, has encountered various challenges related to these issues.

The government has engaged in detentions without charges. In 2019, authorities arrested Milanio Ncogo, a presenter from the privately owned broadcaster Asonga TV, and reporter Ruben Dario Bacale. The police have also engaged in the detention and seizure of passports of illustrators and comic artists.

Journalists who attempt to publish material critical of the government often face severe consequences. Reports of harassment, arbitrary detention, and even torture of journalists are not uncommon. Human rights organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have documented numerous instances where media workers have been threatened, detained, or forced into exile after reporting on politically sensitive topics.

In high-profile cases, journalists have been arrested and held for extended periods without trial. The lack of judicial independence in the country means that journalists have little recourse if targeted by the authorities. This atmosphere of repression has caused many journalists to leave the profession, further weakening the country's already fragile media environment.

The government's control also extends to foreign media outlets, which face considerable restrictions in Equatorial Guinea. International news agencies and foreign journalists are required to obtain special permits to work in the country, and access is often denied or tightly controlled. Foreign journalists who manage to enter the country are frequently monitored, and their movements are restricted, especially when covering topics that may portray the government in a negative light.

International news organizations, such as Radio France Internationale and BBC World Service, are broadcast in the country but are occasionally subject to censorship or signal interference, particularly during periods of political tension. The government's reluctance to allow the free flow of international news has further isolated the population from global perspectives, limiting their access to diverse and independent sources of information.

Legal framework for media

The egal framework in Equatorial Guinea provides the government with numerous tools to suppress dissenting voices in the media. The country's Penal Code includes provisions that criminalize defamation, slander, and offenses against the president and other government officials. These laws are frequently used to silence critical reporting, with offenders facing heavy fines, imprisonment, or both.

In addition to defamation laws, media-specific regulations require journalists to adhere to strict content guidelines that prohibit coverage of topics deemed harmful to national security or the public order. These vaguely defined terms give the government broad discretion to target any media content that challenges its authority.

Internet censorship

Further information: Telecommunications in Equatorial Guinea

As the rapid shift in information gathering became easy for communication and information sharing in Equatorial Guinea, particularly in the context of limited access to independent traditional media, the government maintains tight control over digital spaces, including social media and online news platforms. While internet penetration remains relatively low compared to other African nations, with high costs and limited infrastructure contributing to its restricted use, the government has adopted measures to monitor and regulate online activity.

Authorities have developed sophisticated methods to surveil internet and track users who express criticism of the government or engage in political activism. This surveillance extends to social media accounts, online forums, and blogs. Users who post content deemed critical of the regime, including comments related to corruption, human rights abuses, or calls for political reform, are subject to investigation and, in some cases, arrest.

Internet service providers (ISPs) in the country are required to co-operate with government surveillance attempts, providing authorities with the ability to track user data and communications. The lack of a robust legal framework protecting digital privacy means that citizens and online activists often operate in a climate of fear, knowing that their online activity may be monitored.

The government has also implemented direct forms of censorship, including content filtering and the blocking of websites that are critical of the regime. News websites and blogs that offer alternative viewpoints, particularly those managed by opposition groups or based outside of the country, are frequently blocked or inaccessible within Equatorial Guinea.

International news outlets that report on Equatorial Guinea are also subject to censorship, with access to their websites sometimes restricted. This limits the population's exposure to independent, external perspectives on national and global events. The government's control over internet content is an extension of its broader media censorship efforts, aimed at maintaining its monopoly on information.

In times of political unrest or during sensitive events, such as elections, the government has been known to temporarily shut down internet services or throttle bandwidth to prevent the spread of information. These shutdowns are often justified by the government as necessary to maintain public order or national security, though critics argue that they are primarily aimed at stifling political opposition and preventing the coordination of protests.

For instance, during the 2016 presidential election, internet access was significantly reduced, and social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp were either inaccessible or heavily restricted. These actions were widely condemned by international observers and human rights organizations, who viewed them as an infringement on free expression and access to information.

Despite the government's attempts to control online spaces, the internet has emerged as a vital tool for political activists, opposition groups, and civil society organizations to share information, mobilize supporters, and raise awareness of issues such as corruption, human rights violations, and social inequality. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp have been used to circulate alternative narratives, particularly among younger generations, who have become increasingly active in digital activism.

However, the government has responded to this rise in online activism with increased repression. Online activists who are outspoken in their criticism of the government or who attempt to organize protests through digital platforms are often targeted by authorities. These people sometimes face harassment, legal action, or even imprisonment under the pretext of national security or public order violations. The threat of reprisal has led many to practice self-censorship, further limiting the scope of online activism in the country.

The legal framework surrounding internet use in Equatorial Guinea remains underdeveloped, with few protections for digital rights. While the country has introduced cybersecurity laws aimed at addressing cybercrime, these laws have also been used to justify government surveillance and the prosecution of people who express dissent online. The vague wording of these laws allows for broad interpretationss, giving the government considerable leeway to target online activities that challenge its authority.

There is little transparency or oversight regarding how these laws are enforced, and people accused of violating cybersecurity regulations often face long detentions or trials without adequate legal representation. International organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have criticized the lack of digital rights protections in the country and have called for reforms to ensure that internet users are not penalized for exercising their right to free expression online.

The international community has expressed concern over the state of internet freedom in Equatorial Guinea. Human rights organizations and global advocacy groups, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have consistently ranked the country among the lowest in terms of internet freedom.

In response to international criticism, the government has occasionally pledged to improve access to information and digital infrastructure. However, these promises have generally not led to substantive reforms, and the level of internet freedom in the country remains severely restricted. Advocacy for internet freedom in Equatorial Guinea continues, with efforts aimed at pressuring the government to adopt reforms that protect online free speech, reduce surveillance, and promote open access to information.

International criticism

See also: Corruption in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea has consistently drawn international criticism for its severe restrictions on freedom of speech, press, and freedom of assembly, which are seen as part of broader efforts to stifle dissent and maintain political control.

Human Rights Watch has also raised concerns about the broader human rights environment in Equatorial Guinea, which it describes as being characterized by severe repression. The organization has reported on numerous cases where political opponents, activists, and independent journalists were arrested or subjected to violence and abuse.

Amnesty International has similarly denounced the government's treatment of journalists and activists, noting that arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, and other forms of mistreatment are common. The organization's reports highlight how government actions have created a climate of fear in which citizens are discouraged from openly criticizing the authorities or engaging in political discourse.

UN and international responses

The United Nations and other international bodies have also expressed concern over Equatorial Guinea's treatment of the media and its failure to uphold human rights standards. The UN Human Rights Council has called on the government to take steps to improve its human rights record, including respecting the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The government has been urged to repeal repressive laws that limit media freedom and to create an environment where independent journalism can flourish without fear of retribution.

Several countries and international organizations have also raised the issue of censorship and repression in Equatorial Guinea during sessions of the UN's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a mechanism by which member states review each other's human rights records. These reviews have consistently highlighted the need for the government to make substantial reforms to protect basic freedoms and ensure that its citizens can engage in free and open political discourse.

While it occasionally pledges to improve transparency and promote freedom of expression, these promises have yet to translate into practical policy changes. The government's continued resistance to reform has led to further isolation from the international community, particularly from Western democracies that prioritise human rights in their diplomatic relations.

Equatorial Guinea's human rights record has negatively affected its relationships with international donors and financial institutions. Various governments and non-governmental organizations have expressed concern that development aid and financial support intended to improve infrastructure and social services are not reaching the population due to corruption and government mismanagement, compounded by the lack of independent oversight facilitated by media censorship.

International advocacy groups have called on donor countries and organizations to place greater pressure on the government to respect human rights as a condition for aid and investment. This has led some organizations to reduce their involvement in the country or to shift their focus toward supporting civil society groups and human rights defenders, though such groups operate under significant restrictions in Equatorial Guinea.

See also

• Human rights in Equatorial Guinea
• Human trafficking in Equatorial Guinea
• Politics of Equatorial Guinea