akins station

Malabo News

World news Affecting Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea has been elected to chair the OPEC Ministerial Conference for 2026, cementing its role in global energy markets. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo attended the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, securing new defense cooperation agreements. The UN has criticized Malabo's human rights record following reports of journalist detentions, while praising its malaria eradication progress (cases down 65% since 2022).

China has committed $400 million to expand Malabo's deep-water port, while the EU imposed new sanctions on 3 EG officials for corruption. Tensions persist with Gabon over maritime boundaries despite ICJ mediation.

Economic News

GDP growth slows to 2.1% as oil production declines, though gas exports offset some losses. The CFA franc remains stable at 655 to the euro. Inflation spikes to 8.9% due to food import bottlenecks.

The new Malabo Financial District opens with 12 international banks, while construction begins on the $250 million Bioko Island Cable Car system. Unemployment hits 28% despite government hiring sprees in security and civil service sectors.

Political News

Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue ("Teodorin") assumes more powers amid health rumors about 82-year-old President Obiang. The PDGE party purges 7 senior members accused of disloyalty ahead of party congress.

Malabo municipal workers strike over unpaid wages, disrupting garbage collection. Cameroon and EG sign new cross-border security pact against Biafran separatists.

Entertainment News

Malabo International Music Festival (June 20-23) features Congolese star Fally Ipupa and local acts. The Spanish Cultural Center premieres "The King's Shadow," a controversial biopic about Macías Nguema.

New nightclub "PetroCity" opens in Sipopo, catering to oil executives. State TV launches "Guinea Vision," a $5 million telenovela production.

Election News

Opposition parties boycott voter registration for November senate elections, citing fraud concerns. The CENI electoral body reports 85% registration in Malabo district.

PDGE confirms Teodorin as 2026 presidential candidate during closed-door party meeting. EU observers denied entry visas.

Legal News

Supreme Court sentences 15 coup plotters to life imprisonment in closed trial. New cybercrime law imposes 5-year sentences for "false news" online.

French court orders seizure of Teodorin's Paris mansion in ongoing corruption case. Justice Minister resigns amid judiciary purge.

Forecast for Malabo

Friday: Thunderstorms, 28°C/24°C
Saturday: Humid, 29°C/24°C
Sunday: Heavy rain, 27°C/23°C
Monday: Overcast, 28°C/24°C
Tuesday: Scattered storms, 28°C/24°C
Wednesday: Partly sunny, 29°C/24°C
Thursday: High humidity, 29°C/25°C

Local Events

town:

National football league finals at Nuevo Estadio (June 26)
EG vs. Cameroon basketball friendly (June 28)

Concerts:

Bikutsi legend Longue Longue at Malabo Arena (June 27)
National Dance Troupe anniversary show (June 29)

Cultural:

Fang cultural festival at Museo Nacional (june 20-18)
Spanish film week at CCEM (June 20-27)

Upcoming:

Oil & Gas Conference (June 25-28)
Independence Day military parade rehearsals begin

Final Notes

Malabo presents stark contrasts - gleaming oil-funded infrastructure alongside political repression. As succession tensions grow and economic pressures mount, the capital's elite cling to power while ordinary citizens face rising costs. The city's cultural vitality persists despite constraints, with music and town offering rare outlets for expression. All eyes remain on the aging president's health and the looming transition of power in Africa's longest-ruling regime.