Madrid, Geneva, and Washington, D.C., June 18, 2026 — The African Association for Education and Development (ASAFED), the Equatorial Guinean Commission of Jurists (CEJ), and EG Justice express their deep concern regarding serious allegations related to events that occurred on the isalnd of Annobón during the first days of June 2026.
According to publicly available information, including audiovisual material circulating on social media and testimonies received from relatives of affected individuals, members of the security forces allegedly used physical force against island residents, including minors. Reports have also emerged regarding the alleged detention of dozens of people, including adults and children, under circumstances that may be incompatible with guarantees established under national law and international human rights instruments ratified by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
The allegations known to date point to possible cases of arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, excessive use of force, and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. If confirmed, such acts would constitute serious violations of rights protected by the Consitution of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, among other applicable international laws.
The undersigned organizations are particularly concerned by allegations affecting minors. The State has an enhanced obligation to protect children and to ensure that all actions by security forces comply with the principles of necessity, proportionality, the best interests of the child, and protection from all forms of violence, abuse, or degrading treatment.
The organizations also express grave concern regarding allegations of restrictions imposed on traditional cultural and religious practices of the Annobonese population, including limiations on the use of traditional attire and the celebration of community activities. If confirmed, such measures could constitue violations of the rights to freedom of religion, culture, association, and participation in community cultural life, as protected by the Constitution of Equatorial Guinea and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Article 17 of the Charter recognizes every person's right to freely participate in the cultural life of their community, and its jurisprudence has reaffirmed states' obligations to protect the cultural identity of the peoples and communities within their territories.
These events are occurring in a context previously marked by documented restrictions on telecommunications, difficulties accessing independent information, and recurring allegations of detentions without due process guarantees on the island of Annobón.
ASAFED, CEJ, and EG Justice remind authorities that every person deprived of liberty has the right to be promptly informed of the reasons for their detention, to be brought before a competent judicial authority within legally established time limits, to have access to legal counsel, to communicate with family members, and to receive adequate medical care when necessary.
“The images and testimonies we are receiving from Annobón are deeply troubling. No state can justify violence against minors, the incommunicado detention of detainees, or the suppression of peaceful cultural expressions. Authorities have a legal obligation to ensure public safety while fully respecting human rights and the rule of law. What has occurred requires an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation, as well as accountability for all those responsible,” said Tutu Alicante, Executive Director of EG Justice.
For his part, Don Cruz Melchor Eya Nchama, President of ASAFED, stated:
“Annobón faces not only geographic isolation but also a growing risk of political and cultural isolation. The allegations coming from Annobón are especially serious because they affect not only specific individuals but also the collective exercise of the cultural, religious, and communal identity of the Annobones people. The protection of cultural diversity is not a concession granted by the State; it is an obligation recognized under African and international law.”
“Every nation has fundamental interests that it must protect: its territory, its peoples, and its historical and cultural heritage. When the traditions, cultural expressions, and ways of life of a community are attacked, not only are individual rights harmed, but part of the nation’s collective heritage is also damaged. It is therefore essential that an independent verification of the facts be permitted and that effective protection be guaranteed for the people of Annobón against any form of abuse or retaliation.”
The absence of verifiable official information, combined with allegations of incommunicado detention and restrictions on independent access to the island, makes it particularly urgent to establish impartial verification mechanisms capable of clarifying the facts and preventing further human rights violations.
Accordingly, the undersigned organizations call on the authorities of Equatorial Guinea to:
- Publicly disclose the number, identity, and legal status of all persons detained in connection with the events in Annobón.
- Guarantee immediate access for detainees to legal counsel, medical care, and communication with their families.
- Conduct independent, impartial, and effective investigations into allegations of excessive use of force, mistreatment, and human rights violations.
- Adopt the necessary measures to ensure respect for the cultural, religious, and communal rights of the Annobonese population.
- Ensure special protection for minors allegedly affected by these events.
- Allow access to Annobón for independent observers, humanitarian organizations, and national and international human rights protection mechanisms.
CEJ, EG Justice, and ASAFED also call on the United Nations Special Procedures, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and other competent regional and international bodies to monitor the situation, request information from the authorities, and take appropriate measures to ensure the effective protection of the fundamental rights of the affected population.
The seriousness of the allegations known to date, particularly those involving minors, requires an urgent, transparent response consistent with the rule of law. The protection of human dignity, due process guarantees, and fundamental rights admits no exceptions.
ASAFED
Equatorial Guinean Commission of Jurists (CEJ)
EG Justice