A court in Equatorial Guinea has convicted Ruslan Obiang Nsue, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, over the illegal sale of a government-owned aircraft.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, August 26, ordered Obiang Nsue to serve six years in prison unless he repays the airline. The court said he must return about $255,000 to Ceiba Intercontinental, in addition to damages and a state fine.
Supreme court press director Hilario Mitogo confirmed the decision, describing the judgment as a firm response to theft of state assets.
“The defendant was found guilty of selling an ATR 72-500 aircraft belonging to Ceiba to a Spanish company and pocketing the proceeds,” the statement noted.
Trial and Political Undertones
Obiang Nsue, 50, was once the director of Ceiba Intercontinental, the country’s national airline. He was first placed under house arrest in 2023 after an order from his half-brother, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.
The court also considered other charges, including abuse of office and embezzlement, but he was acquitted of those. Still, the conviction has sent a strong signal about corruption within the ruling family.
The president’s son previously held political positions, including Secretary of State for Sports and Youth. His trial has revived debate about how deeply state corruption runs in Equatorial Guinea.
A Family History of Corruption Allegations
President Obiang, now 83, has ruled the oil-rich central African nation for more than four decades, making him the world’s longest-serving president.
His family members have often faced international accusations of corruption. In 2012, French courts handed a suspended sentence to Vice President Obiang Mangue, ordering him to pay a $35 million fine after finding him guilty of embezzling public funds.
Is this a good example for African nations, where institutions are greater than powerful individuals? Where justice is dispensed, no matter whose ox is gored? But will Mr Obiang serve his term? Comment.Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, and join us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
