MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Violence against opposition activists in Equatorial Guinea, notably the case of Julio Obama Mefuman

14.2.2023 - (2023/2552(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Malte Gallée, Francisco Guerreiro, Alice Kuhnke, Hannah Neumann, Mounir Satouri, Jordi Solé, Heidi Hautala, Caroline Roose, Pierrette Herzberger‑Fofana
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0122/2023

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0122/2023

European Parliament resolution on Violence against opposition activists in Equatorial Guinea, notably the case of Julio Obama Mefuman

(2023/2552(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Equatorial Guinea;

–  having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure;

1. whereas a former Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea has been ruled since 1979 by Teodoro Obiang, who holds the world record for longevity in power for a living head of state, outside of monarchies;

 

2. whereas on 15 January, 2023, opposition leader and Spanish citizen Julio Obama Mefuman, member of the Movement for the Liberation of the Third Republic of Equatorial Guinea, died in prison allegedly after being tortured;

 

3. whereas Obama Mefuman’s death occurred less than two weeks following Spain’s High Court decision to hold an investigation into his suspected kidnapping in South Sudan and  alleged torture in prison;

 

4. whereas the right of prisoners, opposition activists and human right defenders in Equatorial Guinea is being continuously violated; 

 

1. Strongly condemns the kidnapping and alleged torture of Obama Mefuman;
2. Calls on the authorities in Equatorial Guinea to ensure the launch of an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the death of Obama Mefuman;
3. Condemns any human rights abuse on civilians, human right defenders, political activists, journalists and pro-democracy advocate in Equatorial Guinea;
4. Calls for the immediate release of Feliciano Efa, Martín Obiang and Bienvenido Ndong;
5. Calls on authorities in Equatorial Guinea to urgently comply with international human rights law and to ensure that all detainees are protected against torture and ill-treatment, held in humane conditions, judged in fair trials and have access to their families and lawyers;
6. Calls on the European Union to commit to its obligation to monitor the implementation of the Cotonou Agreement and all financial instrument covering human rights, and to regularly report to the European Parliament on this matter;
7. Calls on the EU to set and implement clear criteria which make allocation of aid to Equatorial Guinea conditional on progress in the reform of democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice‑President of the Commission / High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the African Union, the ACP-EU Council of Ministers and Joint Parliamentary Assembly, the Pan-African Parliament, the International Labour Organisation, and the United Nations Secretary-General.