EQUATORIAL GUNEA

HISTORY OF DIFFERENT LAW ENFORCEMENT IN GUINEA

DEFENSE OF EQUATORIAL GUNEA

The military of Equatorial Guinea was reorganized in 1979. It consists of approximately

2,500 service members. The army has 1,400 soldiers, the police 400 paramilitary men,
the navy 200 service members, and the air force about120 members. There is a
Gendarmerie, but the number of members is unknown. The Gendarmerie is a new
branch of the service in which training and education is being supported by the French
Military Cooperation in Equatorial Guinea.
Over all the military is poorly trained and equipped. It has mostly small arms, rocket
launched grenades, and mortars. Almost none of its soviet-style light-armored vehicles
or trucks are operational. In 1988, the United States donated a 68-foot patrol boat to the
Equatorial Guinean navy to patrol its exclusive economic zone. The U.S. patrol boat
"Isla de Bioko" is no longer operational. U.S. military-to-military engagement has been
dormant since 1997 (the year of the last Joint Combined Exchange Training Exercise).
Between 1984 and 1992, service members went regularly to the United States on the
International Military Education Training program, after which funding for this program
for Equatorial Guinea ceased. The government spent 6.5% of its annual budget on
defense in 2000 and 4.5% of its budget on defense in 2001. It recently acquired some
Chinese artillery pieces, some Ukrainian patrol boats, and some Ukrainian Helicopter
Gunships. The Equatoguineans rely on foreigners to operate and maintain this
equipment as they are not sufficiently trained to do so.

https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/equatorialguinea/26446.htm#:~:text=In
%201988%2C%20the%20United%20States,Joint%20Combined%20Exchange
%20Training%20Exercise).
ARMED FORCES
The Armed Forces were reorganized in 1979. In 1988, the United States donated a 68-
foot patrol boat to the Equatoguinean navy to patrol its exclusive economic zone. The
U.S. patrol boat Isla de Bioko is no longer operational. U.S. military-to-military
engagement has been dormant since 1997 (the year of the last Joint Combined
Exchange Training exercise). Between 1984 and 1992, service members went regularly
to the United States on the International Military Education Training program, after
which funding for this program for Equatorial Guinea ceased. The government spent
6.5% of its annual budget on defense in 2000 and 4.5% of its budget on defense in
2001. It recently acquired some Chinese artillery pieces, some Ukrainian patrol boats,
and some Ukrainian helicopter gunships. The number of paved airports in Equatorial
Guinea can be counted on one hand, and as such the number of airplanes operated by
the air force is small. The Equatoguineans rely on foreigners to operate and maintain
this equipment as they are not sufficiently trained to do so. Cooper and Weinert 2010
says that all aircraft are based on the military side of Malabo International Airport.
In 2002, a report said "The oil companies do not view Equatorial Guinea's military – a
product of decades of brutal dictatorial rule – with much confidence. The army is
believed to have only about 1,320 men under arms, the navy 120, and the air force 100.
Seven of the army's nine generals are relatives of the president; the other two are from
his tribe. There is no clear command structure, the level of discipline is low, and
professionalism and training are almost non-existent, according to locals and foreign oil
workers. Even the presidential guard – an indication of the lack of trust in the country's
forces – is composed of 350 Moroccan troops." One general may be General Agustin
Ndong Ona, reported in 2004.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_of_Equatorial_Guinea
NAVY
The Navy of Equatorial Guinea (Spanish: Marina de guerra; French: Marine de
guerre; Portuguese: Marinha de Guerra) is the maritime component of the Armed
Forces of Equatorial Guinea. Its main functions are anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of
Guinea and protecting the offshore oil and gas assets of the nation. The Navy has
around 200 personnel.

The Navy safeguards the 296 km maritime border of Equatorial Guinea. Its main
purpose is to protect the nation's oil assets and prevent piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Russian and American navies have joint exercises with the Equatoguinean navy,
besides the Obangame Express exercise in the Gulf of Guinea with 10 other nations.
The navy is also used to patrol the Corisco bay islands which are claimed by both
Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
The Navy partially built a 107-m long frigate, the Wele Nzas, in the dry dock in Malabo.
The frigate was commissioned on June 3, 2014 by president Teodoro Obiang Nguema
Mbasogo and named after the Wele-Nzas Province. The ship was designed
in Mykolaiv, Ukraine and built at Varna, Bulgaria. The outfitting was done at Malabo.
The Wele Nzas was designated as the flagship of the Navy.
The United States donated a 68 foot patrol boat, the Isla de Bioko (no longer
operational) to the navy in 1988 to patrol its Exclusive Economic Zone. The
Equatoguineans rely mainly on foreigners to operate the navy equipment it buys from
foreign militaries
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_of_Equatorial_Guinea

AIR FORCE
The branch of the Air Force National Guard of Equatorial Guinea it has been expanding
rapidly in recent years, after a period of virtual non-existence. Recent additions
undertake two Aero L-39s, four Su-25s and two Mi-24s, all former Ukraine. The Air
Wing of the Equatorial Guinea National Guard numbered around 100-200 men and
operated a small number of planes and helicopters. Cochrane and Elliott [Military
Aircraft Insignia of the World] reports that it uses the National Flag as fin flash.
At one time all aircraft were reportedly based on the military side of Malabo
International Airport. Recent overhead imagery discloses a couple of Antonov
transports on a spacious tarmac that is otherwise devoid of aircraft. Recent satellite
imagery of Bata International Airport discloses a dozen or so assorted passenger
aircraft, most of which appear inactive. There is no "military side" to this airport,
though the makings of a new tarmac were visible at the north end of the runway. "The
number of paved airports in Equatorial Guinea can be counted on one hand, and as
such the number of airplanes operated by the air force is small. Despite being one of
the smallest countries in continental Africa, both in population and area, Equatorial
Guinea has a new and growing air force with relatively modern equipment. The capital
Malabo on Bioko Island contains most of the 500,000 Guineans and is the main base
of the Guinean air force. The structure and bases the National Guard used Malabo
Equatorial Guinea as its principal function, but also has a separation in Bata with gun
ships Mi-24. The presidential fleet of VIP reports directly to headquarters and carries
civil marks. The newly acquired Su-25s, Mi-24 and L-39 bear the marks Squadron (a
leopard) and operate in squadrons whose exact appointment remains unknown.

In its air force the most noteworthy aircraft are its 4 Sukhoi Su-25 K and its 6 Mil-24,
although the operational status of their fighters and their attack helicopters is
unknown. The Air Wing also boasts several Antonov, two AN-72 and an AN-32.
Another curiosity is that it has a number of presidential transports, which devices in its
air force the dictator has about ten air transport facilities between helicopters and
planes. Sukhoi Su-25 (designation NATO: "Frogfoot") is a single seat two motor
aircraft jet developed in the Soviet Union by the Office of design Sukhoi. It was
designed to provide support air close to the forces terrestrial Soviet. The first
prototype made its maiden flight on 22 February 1975. After testing, the aircraft
entered series production in 1978 in Tbilisi in the Soviet Republic of Georgia. Russian
air and ground forces dubbed "Grach". The Mil Mi-24 (designation NATO: Hind) is a
large helicopter of combat and attack and of small capacity of transport of troops with
capacity for eight passengers. It is produced by the Moscow Mil helicopter factory and
is operated from 1972 by the Soviet air force, its successors, and in more than 30
countries.

On 26 January 2016 the Air Force of Equatorial Guinea signed a contract for the
delivery of two CASA C-295 transport aircraft, the first as a troop transport and the
second for maritime surveillance to be delivery in 2017.

https://www.globalsecurity.org/jhtml/jframe.html#https://www.globalsecurity.org/
military/world/africa/images/gq-af-malabo-image02.jpg|||
TYPES OF GOVERNMENT
The type of government of Equatorial Guinea is multi-party republic with strong
domination by the Executive Branch. It is run through its three branches, namely the
Executive, Legislative and Judicial. It is based on a Constitution approved on November
17, 1991 and amended in January 1995.
Since a military coup in 1979, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has dominated
all branches of government in collaboration with his clan and political party, the Democratic
Party of Equatorial Guinea, which he founded in 1991. In 2016 President Obiang claimed to
receive 93.7 percent of the vote in a presidential election that many considered neither free
nor fair. In 2017 the country held legislative and municipal elections that lacked
independent domestic or international monitoring and verification of the voter census,
registration, and the tabulation of ballots. The ruling party and its 14 coalition parties won 92
percent of the vote, taking all 75 Senate seats, 99 of 100 seats in the lower chamber, and
all except one seat in municipal councils.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/
equatorial-guinea/

https://www.studycountry.com/guide/GQ-government.htm

EXECUTIVE
The main power of president is both the head of state and head of government by
elected through a plurality vote with 7 years of term. Also, prime minister is appointed by
the president. It has extensive powers, including naming and dismissing members of the
cabinet. It can make laws by decree, dissolve the chamber of representatives, negotiate
and ratify treaties, call legislative elections, and act as commander in chief of the armed
forces. The prime minister coordinates government activities in areas other than foreign
affairs, national defense, and security

JUDICIAL
The main power of president is in charge with his judicial advisers (the supreme court).
In descending rank are the appeals courts, chief judges for divisions, and local
magistrates. Supreme court judges and constitutional court members are appointed by
the president with 5 years terms.

LEGISLATIVE
Legislative power is vested in both the government and the chamber of people's
representatives (the lower house of the parliament). The senate has 55 members
elected by plurality vote and 15 members appointed by the president with also 5 years
of term. The house of people's representatives has 100 members elected through a
closed-list proportional representation system.
https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/equatorial-guinea/government

The country is divided in administrative divisions of seven provinces headed each by a

governor appointed by the President. These provinces are Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko
Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Littoral and Wele-Nizas. Each province is divided into
administrative districts and municipalities under the Ministry of Interior and Territorial
Administration.
The government has also the State Council which serves as a caretaker in the event of
death or physical incapacity of the President. This is composed of ex-officio members
including the President of the Republic, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, President
of the National Assembly, and the Chairman of the Social and Economic Council.
The President also appoints the heads of various ministries and government agencies
to him run the affairs of government.

POLICE SYSTEM
The vice president (eldest son of President Obiang) has overall control of the security
forces. Police generally are responsible for maintaining law and order in the cities, while
gendarmes are responsible for security outside cities and for special events. Police report
to the minister of national security, while gendarmes report to the Ministry of National
Defense. Military personnel, who report to the minister of national defense, also fulfill police
functions in border areas, sensitive sites, and high-traffic areas. Both ministers report to the
vice president directly. Additional police elements are in the Ministries of Interior (border
and traffic police), Finance (customs police), and Justice (investigative/prosecuting police).
Presidential security officials also exercise police functions at or near presidential facilities.
Civilian authorities did not maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of
the security forces committed numerous abuses.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/equatorial-

guinea/

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

The court system, based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom, includes a Supreme
Court, two appeals courts, lower provincial courts (first instance), military courts, and
customary (traditional) courts. The courts apply a blend of traditional law, military law,
and Franco-era Spanish law, which leads to some unpredictability in results. Appeals
from courts of first instance are rare. A five-member Constitutional Council established
in 1993 decides constitutional issues and releases election results. The customary
courts composed of tribal elders adjudicate civil claims and minor criminal matters.
Under the 1991 constitution, the judiciary is not independent from the executive branch.
In fact, all judges and clerks and other judicial personnel are appointed and dismissed
at the will of the President. In addition, corruption is a problem because of low wages for
judicial personnel.
Defendants have constitutional rights to an attorney and to appeal. However, in
practice, these rights are not always afforded.
Recently, the treatment of Bubi ethnic group activists who were arrested after a
rebellion in January 1998, and the conduct of the trial by a military court, which meted
out 15 death sentences, was strongly criticized by Amnesty International and the
European Parliament, respectively. Obiang suspended the death sentences in
September 1998. Reports of serious and systematic human rights abuses in Equatorial
Guinea continue.

Read more: https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Equatorial-Guinea-JUDICIAL-
SYSTEM.html#ixzz7mDtH6sl0
JUVENILE SYSTEM
According to the CRC, this being the most recent reference found to date, a juvenile
justice system does not exist within the country – notably, there is no tribunal body.
Children are not separated from adults when and if they are detained, and like their
elders, experience very difficult living conditions without access to basic services
(Committee on the Rights of the Child, 2004, p. 14). This data is also included in the
Human Rights Committee’s 2019 report (p. 9).

Child labor is prohibited by Equatoguinean law under the age of 14 and work performed
by children under the age of 16 must not endanger their dignity and physical and moral
security (Bureau of International Labor Affairs – USA, 2007). There are government
standards that impose a curfew for young people under the age of 16 at 11 p.m. and
prohibit parental figures from exploiting children (as street vendors, waiters, etc.). If
children under the age of 14 are found working, they must be arrested and employers
disciplined; the same applies to jobs that are dangerous for children under the age of
16. However, the U.S. Department of State declares that these laws are not properly
enforced (Bureau of International Labor Affairs – USA, 2007)

Although domestic violence is illegal and offenders can be sentenced to up to 20 years

in prison, the law is not properly enforced by the government and victims rarely
complain. Child protection is not adequately ensured. For example, domestic violence is
considered a private matter, which must be resolved within the home (U.S Department
of State, 2021). Similarly, while child abuse is illegal, the law is not properly enforced.
Disciplining children through violence is culturally accepted (U.S Department of State,
2021). Children are not particularly protected against sexual violence, especially when
there is a family connection between the perpetrator and the victim (Committee on the
Rights of the Child, 2004, p. 9).
The law does not provide an age limit for preemption of sexual violence: for example, it
would not be deemed sexual violence if girls under the age of 12 were touched (Human
Rights Committee, 2019, p. 6). In cases of rape, according to the law, proceedings can
be terminated when “the victim has explicitly or tacitly forgiven the perpetrator […]
(Criminal Code, art. 443)” (Human Rights Committee, 2019, p. 6). Gender-based
violence is also a real challenge in the country, including “stigmatization of victims, fear
of reprisals, and lack of trust in law enforcement authorities” (Human Rights Committee,
2019, p. 6).
https://www.humanium.org/en/equatorial-guinea/

POLICE FORCE

The National Gendarmerie of Equatorial Guinea

The Gendarmerie is a new branch of the service in which training and education is
being supported by the French Military Cooperation in Equatorial Guinea. Military
appointments are all reviewed by President Teodoro Obiang, and few of the native
militiamen come from outside of Obiang's Mongomo-based Esangui clan. Obiang was a
general when he overthrew his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_of_Equatorial_Guinea

There is a paramilitary police and a gendarmerie in Equatorial Guinea. National

legislation governing police use of force was contained in a 2015 law on maintaining
public order. The law was revised in 2019 to authorize the security forces to use
firearms in a range of situations including to "defend their positions". Under international
law, police use of firearms is restricted to where it is necessary to confront an imminent
threat of death or serious injury or a grave and proximate threat to life.
In July 2018, Human Rights Watch stated that there was "credible evidence that
Guinea’s security forces used excessive lethal force and engaged in other
unprofessional conduct during violent street protests in February and March 2018. No
member of the police or gendarmes has been arrested or charged." In an interview with
Human Rights Watch, General Ibrahima Baldé, the commander of the gendarmerie and
head of the election security force, said that all security force members under his control
are strictly forbidden from carrying or using firearms when responding to demonstrations
and denied that any officers carry them. “If I saw a gendarme with a firearm, I would
intervene immediately,” he said. A senior official at the Security and Civilian Protection
Ministry, which oversees the police, said that police were only permitted to wear riot
equipment when policing demonstrations or strikes and do not carry firearms. He said,
however, that security forces did not have adequate anti-riot equipment and urged
Guinea’s partners to provide funds to assist the police and gendarmes to obtain the
necessary material.
https://www.policinglaw.info/country/equatorial-guinea

Police Officer Average Salary and Benefits in Equatorial Guinea

A person working as a Police Officer in Equatorial Guinea typically earns

around 284,000 XAF per month. Salaries range from 131,000 XAF (lowest) to 451,000
XAF (highest).

This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.
Police Officer salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location.
Below you will find a detailed breakdown based on many different criteria.

The median, the maximum, the minimum, and the range

 Salary Range
Police Officer salaries in Equatorial Guinea range from 131,000 XAF per month
(minimum salary) to 451,000 XAF per month (maximum salary).

 Median Salary
The median salary is 307,000 XAF per month, which means that half (50%) of
people working as Police Officer(s) are earning less than 307,000 XAF while the
other half are earning more than 307,000 XAF. The median represents the
 middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side
of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

 Percentiles
Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles.
Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of Police Officer(s) are
earning less than 197,000 XAF while 75% of them are earning more than
197,000 XAF. Also from the diagram, 75% of Police Officer(s) are earning less
than 409,000 XAF while 25% are earning more than 409,000 XAF.

Police Officer Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

The experience level is the most important factor in determining the salary. Naturally
the more years of experience the higher your wage. We broke down Police Officer
salaries by experience level and this is what we found.
A Police Officer with less than two years of experience makes approximately 148,000
XAF per month.

While someone with an experience level between two and five years is expected to earn
198,000 XAF per month, 34% more than someone with less than two year's experience.

Moving forward, an experience level between five and ten years lands a salary of
293,000 XAF per month, 48% more than someone with two to five years of experience.

Additionally, Police Officer(s) whose expertise span anywhere between ten and fifteen
years get a salary equivalent to 357,000 XAF per month, 22% more than someone with
five to ten years of experience.

If the experience level is between fifteen and twenty years, then the expected wage is
389,000 XAF per month, 9% more than someone with ten to fifteen years of experience.

Lastly, employees with more than twenty years of professional experience get a salary
of 421,000 XAF per month, 8% more than people with fifteen to twenty years of
experience.

0-2 YEARS 148,000 XAF

2-5 YEARS +34% 198,000 XAF
5-10 YEARS +48% 293,000 XAF
10- 15 YEARS +22% 357,000 XAF
15- 20 YEARS +9% 389,000 XAF
20+ YEARS +8% 421,000 XAF

http://www.salaryexplorer.com/salary-survey.php?
loc=66&loctype=1&job=504&jobtype=3