""The atmosphere of insecurity, fear and oppression is almost palpable." (Amnesty International delegate visiting Equatorial Guinea in July 1994).

The government of Equatorial Guinea has repeatedly promised to improve human rights: these promises have turned out to be cynical and empty gestures. When the country's human rights record is under international scrutiny and donors threaten to cut aid, the government loosens its hold over opposition activities and says it will respect human rights. Once further aid has been pledged, the repression of political opponents resumes unabated and the security forces continue to act as a law unto themselves.

In theory Equatorial Guinea has had a multi-party political system since 1992. The reality is very different. Every day pro-democracy activists are harassed, arbitrarily detained for days or weeks and ill-treated. Opposition leaders have been convicted after manifestly unfair show trials on false charges of attempting to overthrow the state. Many have been tortured.

The population as a whole is at the mercy of the security apparatus. The security forces are not held accountable for their actions and obey no laws but their own will. The intimidating presence of the security apparatus is everywhere and ordinary citizens have no protection against abuses of power. Brutality and corruption are rife..."

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