The government of Equatorial Guinea has resigned after failing to meet its performance targets, Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue announced on Tuesday.

Mangue, who is also the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, said the decision followed an assessment that the cabinet achieved “barely 10 per cent” of its objectives.

“The rule is simple: public responsibility has to come with results,” he stated in an X post.

“The state puts significant human, material and financial resources at the disposal of the government to address the needs of the population.

“So the degree of execution achieved is clearly insufficient in relation to the expectations and commitments undertaken.”

He did not disclose the specific targets the administration was expected to meet.

The resignation comes under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has remained in power since 1979, making him the world’s longest-serving leader.

The outgoing cabinet, appointed in 2024 under Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, was tasked with coordinating government administration and implementing economic reforms.

Nsua, a former central bank chief, had been expected to drive policies aimed at improving living conditions and strengthening economic management.

However, the country’s economy has continued to face pressure from declining oil production, reduced investment, and wider external shocks.

Equatorial Guinea remains heavily dependent on petroleum, which accounts for the bulk of export earnings and government revenue, while diversification efforts have largely stalled.

In a statement, the ruling Democratic ‌Party ⁠of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) said the president was dissatisfied with the outgoing government’s performance.

The statement also cited weak implementation of development policies, misuse of state resources, and limited progress in economic diversification, particularly in agriculture.

It said a new government will be appointed.

Despite its oil wealth, Equatorial Guinea’s population of about 1.8 million has seen limited economic benefit, with poverty remaining widespread and growth slowing in recent years due to lower output and weakening demand. (BBC)