Equatorial Guinea’s vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, has confirmed that the United States is seeking to deport African migrants to the West African country, though no formal agreement has yet been reached.
In a statement posted to his X account on Wednesday, Mangue revealed that Washington initiated the conversation and that the Equatoguinean government responded with conditions, including U.S. investment in reintegration programs and financial support to cover the housing and welfare of deportees.
“In my opinion, there could be an agreement,” Mangue said, “but we choose the people we can welcome based on their respective profiles.” He added that Equatorial Guinea would not accept migrants with criminal records.
The request is part of the U.S. administration’s effort—revived under former President Donald Trump’s influence—to fulfill a campaign promise of mass deportations of undocumented migrants. In late April, the U.S. government confirmed it was actively seeking third-party nations to receive deported individuals.
However, the proposal has sparked unease within Equatorial Guinea. Local media and opposition groups, particularly the Spanish-based Radio Macuto, accuse the government of hypocrisy. While presenting a cooperative tone with Washington, the Obiang-led administration has simultaneously been cracking down on sub-Saharan African migrants at home.
According to Radio Macuto, authorities in Malabo, Bata, and other cities have ramped up raids, detaining and deporting Nigerians, Cameroonians, and Chadians—often without legal warrants. “How can a regime that expels poor, settled migrants now be willing to take in others deported from the U.S.?” the outlet asked.
Tensions flared last month when Equatorial Guinea expelled over 200 Cameroonians, prompting a diplomatic protest from Yaoundé, which summoned Malabo’s ambassador in response. Equatorial Guinea defended the move, citing documentation violations.
The situation raises questions about the transparency of any future migration deal and the treatment awaiting deportees if they are sent to a country already expelling long-settled migrants.
