MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the 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

Pedro Marques, Domènec Ruiz Devesa
on behalf of the S&D 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.

B9‑0127/2023

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

 

(2023/2552(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Statement by the Spokesperson of the EEAS on the outcome of the elections in Equatorial Guinea of 30 November 2022,

 

–  having regard to the Cotonou Agreement,

 

–  having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

 

–  having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

 

–  having regard to Rule 144 of its rules of procedure,

 

 

–  whereas Equatorial Guinea has been under the dictatorial rule of Teodoro Obiang since 1979; whereas he is the longest-serving head of state in the world;

 

–  whereas the electoral process in Equatorial Guinea cannot be considered democratic, pluralistic or participatory; whereas the 2022 elections were marred by allegations of irregularities and abuse, including fraud, and attacks on opposition parties;

 

–  whereas political dissidents have been attacked within the country and internationally as part of a systematic policy of political persecution;

 

–  whereas on 15th November 2019 four members of the opposition Movement for the Liberation of Equatorial Guinea - Third Republic (MLGE3R) - Spanish citizens Julio Obama Mefuman and Feliciano Efa Mangue, and Spanish residents Martín Obiang Ondo Mbasogo and Bienvenido Ndong Ono - were kidnapped in South Sudan and secretly transferred to a prison in Equatorial Guinea;

 

–  whereas, subsequently, they were  systematically tortured, denied consular assistance, and convicted in a publicly broadcasted Court Martial trial without due process for an alleged coup d’état;

 

–  whereas an investigation conducted by Spanish courts corroborated these facts; whereas on 29th December 2022 three high ranking authorities - Carmelo Ovono Obiang, Nicolás Obama Nchama,and Issac Nguema Ondo - were indicted as a result;

 

–  whereas Julio Obama died on 15 January 2023;

 

–  whereas there are further cases of alleged kidnapping, illegal transfer and imprisonment of dissidents, such as Francisco Micha Obama, a refugee residing in Spain, Italian citizen Fulgencio Obiang Esono, and Cipriano Nguema Mba, an Equatorial Guinean citizen granted asylum in Belgium;

 

1. Criticises in the strongest terms the lack of democratic space in the country, and the widespread repression and abuse of human rights, notably that of political activists kidnapped and illegally transferred to Equatorial Guinea;

 

2. Deplores the sentencing and treatment of Members of the MLGE3R and other political dissidents, and deeply regrets the death of Julio Obama;

 

3. Calls for the repatriation of his body and for the liberation of the three MLGE3R members;

 

4. Is extremely concerned about the extra-territorial actions of the Equatorial government, including the targeting and kidnapping of political dissidents who hold citizenship or are resident in third countries, including within the EU; urges the EEAS, EUROPOL, EUROJUST and Commission to work closely with Member State investigative and judicial authorities to strengthen protection for EU citizens and those resident in the EU;

 

5. Instruct its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, the African Union, and the Government and Parliament of Equatorial Guinea.