Equatorial Guinea: the mirage of Spain's former colony

Equatorial Guinea: the mirage of Spain's former colony

At the time of its independence, Equatorial Guinea had Africa's highest per capita income and a literacy rate of 89%, higher than South Africa's. Four decades later, it is an example of how political plunder can ruin any initial advantage.

The Spanish colonial legacy: success or failure?

Spain did not take the territory seriously until well into the 20th century. In fact, there were attempts to sell it to England, but public pressure prevented it. The real boom came under Franco, who, antiestéticaring a guerrilla war like in the Rif or a bloodbath like Algeria's, pushed for development. However, the independence process, managed by minister Castiella, was a disaster. The country went from being a model colony in social indicators to falling into the hands of a family dictatorship.

The Obiang regime: oil, corruption and misery

Today, Equatorial Guinea is considered the most corrupt country in the world. The Obiang family accumulates properties across the globe while the population survives on wages of 120 euros a month. Renting a luxury apartment costs 70 euros, a figure that reveals the extreme inequality. Political repression is fierce: anyone who criticizes the regime ends up detained and beaten. Oil wealth has not reached the majority.

The Equatorial Guinean diaspora in Spain

Unlike other former colonies, emigration from Equatorial Guinea to Spain has been small. Those who have arrived have fully integrated, speak perfect Spanish and have built families regarded as fully Spanish. It is a contrast with the image projected by the regime.

With leader Obiang accumulating properties around the world and the population subsisting on 120 euros a month, the question is not why more Equatorial Guineans don't come, but how those who stay survive. The country remains an unfinished business that Spain never knew how to manage, neither as a colonizer nor as a partner.