Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang, 80, to run for sixth term

REUTERS|MALABO: Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang, the world’s longest-serving leader, is running for re-election in November, his party announced on Friday, likely extending his 43-year reign. beginning when Afgenbi took power in 1979.

The 80-year-old Obiang’s rule has been characterized by torture against his political opponents, rigged elections, and corruption, according to human rights groups and foreign powers. Obiang has denied the allegations.

During his tenure, the country in West Africa has become heavily dependent on oil and gas, accounting for about 75 percent of government revenue. The money goes into the pockets of people close to the president as most of the people in the country live in poverty according to human rights organizations.

His son Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who is also the country’s vice president, is a man who loves parties, fast cars, and jewelry, and a French court in 2020 sentenced him to embezzlement. He wrote on his Twitter page on Friday that his father was nominated to run again “due to his openness, leadership and political experience”.

Another term in office faces new challenges. The country’s economy has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic and a drop in oil prices, although the war in Ukraine and demand for oil and gas outside of Russia could help boost its economy.