Equatorial Guinea Accuses France of Neo-Colonialism in Mansion Dispute

The Hague, Netherlands — Lawyers representing Equatorial Guinea accused France of exhibiting "neo-colonial" behavior on Tuesday. They urged United Nations judges to prevent the sale of a luxurious mansion located on one of Paris' most elite streets, marking the latest development in an ongoing legal battle over the valuable property.

In 2022, the African nation took the case to the International Court of Justice, contending that France is in breach of international law. This claim centers around France's refusal to return assets confiscated amid a corruption probe involving Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of Equatorial Guinea's long-standing president.

Carmelo Nvono-Nca, Equatorial Guinea's agent, addressed the court in The Hague, characterizing France's stance as "paternalistic and even neo-colonial," emphasizing that such disregard for their sovereignty was intolerable.

The nation requested the court to issue urgent orders known as provisional measures. Their aim is to recover the opulent mansion on Avenue Foch, one of Paris's most illustrious streets, and to prevent its sale by the French authorities.

In 2017, Obiang was convicted, receiving a three-year suspended sentence for embezzling millions of dollars in public funds. French officials had confiscated money, luxury cars, and the mansion, which features amenities like a hammam, a cinema, and a nightclub.

At 57, Obiang's financial dealings have also come under scrutiny in other countries. In 2021, the United Kingdom sanctioned him for diverting public funds, including spending USD 275,000 on the bejeweled glove that Michael Jackson wore during his “Bad” tour. Furthermore, Switzerland and Brazil have also initiated inquiries into his finances.

In 2020, the International Court of Justice determined that the property was a private residence and not a diplomatic mission, dismissing Equatorial Guinea's claim that its seizure breached international law.

Returning to The Hague in 2022, Equatorial Guinea argued that under a UN anti-corruption convention, the French government is obliged to return the assets.

Despite its significant oil and gas wealth, Equatorial Guinea is characterized by a stark divide between the privileged ruling elite and a largely impoverished populace. A former Spanish colony, it is governed by Africa's longest-serving leader, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Obiang's father.

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