E Guinea leader slams govt

2008-07-05 22:22

Malabo - Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has accused his oil-producing nation's outgoing government of widespread corruption and security failings over a foiled 2004 coup plot.

Obiang, who has ruled Sub-Saharan Africa's third biggest oil producer since 1979, made the criticism in a speech late on Friday responding to the resignation of Prime Minister Ricardo Mangue Obama Nfube's government following May 4 elections.

In the one-sided polls, Obiang's ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), along with coalition allies, won all but one of the 100 national assembly seats, consolidating the president's political control over the Gulf of Guinea state.

'Hurt'

Obiang, who is now expected to name a new government, heaped criticism on the outgoing administration, saying he was "hurt" by the apparent implication of some of its members in the foiled 2004 conspiracy to topple him by force.

Evidence of this emerged during the trial in Malabo last month of accused British mercenary Simon Mann, who faces a possible jail term of nearly 32 years for his role in the coup plot. Mann is expected to be sentenced by the court on Monday.

Mann testified that the plot was backed and financed by international businessmen including London-based Lebanese millionaire Eli Calil and Mark Thatcher, son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The two have denied any role.

The court also heard the coup conspiracy enjoyed some complicity in Equatorial Guinea's governing circles. A member of the outgoing government, Administration Minister Fortunato Ofa Mbo, who was fisheries minister at the time of the 2004 plot, was accused of failing to report it to the authorities.

"I feel disappointed," President Obiang said. "You can't make mistakes with the security and stability of the state," he added, making clear that the new government he would name would make changes from the outgoing team.

"We must remember that Equatorial Guinea has had nearly 30 years of peace, and we all want that peace. If that peace is good, we should defend it vigorously," the president said.

Obiang, a former military police officer, overthrew his dictatorial uncle Francisco Macias Nguema in a 1979 coup.

Corruption

Obiang slammed Mangue Obama's departing administration for failing to do more to tackle graft.

"There's still lots of corruption, and especially in this government," he said, adding he had evidence of this.

"I have the copies of financial transfers to foreign companies and banks," he said, without elaborating.

"We must put an end to the mafia," he said.

Obiang added he would eventually give up power "with honour".

"I'm not going to stay," he said, without giving details.

- Reuters