Equatorial Guinea: Main opposition party dissolved

Event

The dissolution of the main opposition, the Citizens for Innovation Party (CI), was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Equatorial Guinea on Monday, May 7. The Supreme Court also upheld the 30-year jail terms that had been handed to 21 members of CI, including the party’s only member of parliament, in February. CI leaders claim that the decision was made on instructions from the president. Protests against the decision may occur in coming days and as with past rallies, demonstrators may clash with security forces.

Context

The CI was initially dissolved in February following scuffles that resulted in three police officers injured and their weapons seized. Opposition supporters have clashed with the ruling party, the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), since elections in November 2017. The CI has claimed included multiple incidents of electoral fraud.

Advice

Individuals present in Equatorial Guinea are advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations due to the latent potential for violence, and abide by instructions issued by authorities.