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The last year has seen the emergence of a new pattern of political arrests in response to increasing pressure for political reform within Equatorial Guinea. In contrast to repression before 1990, over the last year smaller groups of people have been arrested at more frequent intervals. One of the prisoners, Antonio Ebang Mbele Abang, a former member of parliament arrested in November 1990, has been adopted as a prisoner of conscience. Amnesty International is investigating other cases of people placed under house arrest or detained for brief periods. They include: Pedro Motu Mamiaga, Gabino Mualika Epitie, Angel Masie Ntutumu, Ricardo Nvumba Bindang, Alfonso Nsue Mokuy and Pedro Ekong Andeme. Reports of torture are also being investigated.

The US Department of Justice recently filed two complaints against the eldest son of President Obiang seizing millions of dollars worth of assets purchased in the US. Let's hope this marks a turning point in the fight against corruption in Equatorial Guinea.

A summary of the international conference, "Between Three Continents: Rethinking Equatorial Guinea on the 40th Anniversary of Its Independence from Spain". From April 2nd to 4th, speakers from around the world shared their expertise on Equatorial Guinea in various panels.

This article details the Equatoguinean government's new policy of "open house" contracts, in which oil companies can negotiate directly and immediately with the government instead of waiting to participate in a new licensing round.