EQUATORIAL GUINEA — The government of Equatorial Guinea submitted a collective resignation, which Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua presented on Wednesday. The resignation followed criticism from President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo regarding the administration's economic performance and use of state resources.

Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue stated that the resignation aligns with the principle that public administration accountability requires measurable results. "The degree of execution achieved is clearly insufficient in relation to the expectations and commitments undertaken," Mangue said. The government accomplished approximately 10 percent of its stated objectives during its nearly two-year tenure.

President Obiang will appoint a new cabinet to oversee national development programs. The Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea issued a statement indicating the president criticized the outgoing administration for failing to stimulate economic diversification. Obiang said, "The government lacked dynamism regarding the economy and misused state resources at the expense of personal interests fostered by corruption for illicit enrichment."

The Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea also stated that the previous administration failed to implement agricultural policies intended to reduce reliance on imported goods. The national economy primarily depends on petroleum exports and revenues. Economic output has contracted in recent years due to reduced oil production and global demand. Widespread poverty persists among the nation's approximately 1.8 million residents despite the country's oil wealth. The specific targets referenced in the performance evaluation were not disclosed by officials.

President Obiang has served as the head of state since 1979. Osa Nsue Nsua was designated as prime minister during a cabinet appointment in 2024. Vice President Mangue is the son of the president.