October 27, 2025

Washington, D.C. — The governments of the United States and Equatorial Guinea appear to be rapidly advancing toward an agreement that would allow the West-Central African nation to receive deportees who have no existing ties to the country.

In May 2025, Equatoguinean Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, son of the president, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account a message that alarmed many of his compatriots:

“I confirm that there was a conversation in which the United States expressed its intentions [to send deportees to Equatorial Guinea], but no conclusion was reached.”

Then, on October 20, he announced again via X that:

“Equatorial Guinea will join President Donald Trump’s efforts on migration, …”

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While international cooperation on migration can, in principle, contribute to more orderly and humane management of cross-border movements, EG Justice is deeply concerned that such an agreement could violate international law and potentially expose deported migrants to inhumane or degrading treatment in Equatorial Guinea.

“Equatorial Guinea’s record of systematic illegal mass arrests, incarceration in squalid conditions, and denial of fundamental due process guarantees to African immigrants raises serious concerns about the ability of state institutions to ensure the safe and dignified reception of vulnerable individuals from other nations,” said Tutu Alicante, Executive Director of EG Justice. “Agreements to host prisoners or deportees from third countries must not enable violations of international law, including the prohibitions on refoulement, arbitrary detention, and mistreatment.”

EG Justice Calls on Both Governments To:

• Publish the terms and protocols governing any future cooperation, including safeguards for migrants’ rights and mechanisms for independent oversight.
  
  
• Engage independent civil society organizations—both local and international—in monitoring implementation and ensuring compliance with international human rights obligations.
  
  
• Commit publicly to transparency, including access for journalists and humanitarian actors to any reception or detention facilities established under this program in Equatorial Guinea.
  
  

EG Justice stands ready to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to ensure that any migration cooperation advances—rather than undermines—fundamental human rights. The organization will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for the protection and dignity of all individuals affected.

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Media Contact:
Tutu Alicante
Executive Director, EG Justice
tutu@egjustice.org
615 479 0207
www.egjustice.org

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