Check against delivery! 

Madam President, Honourable Members [of the European Parliament], 

In the last few months, on the occasion of general elections, the European Union stressed that the citizens of Equatorial Guinea should have the right to participate in an open, free and peaceful electoral process, and to exercise their freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in full compliance with international human rights law.  

Today, we need to recall this same appeal and to continue to urge the authorities of Equatorial Guinea to ensure democratic governance to the benefit of all its citizens, including by allowing political parties to operate freely and without fear of repression or reprisals.  

The European Union therefore calls on authorities to undertake a thorough investigation of all the allegations of abuse and irregularities that have been made in recent months, and to do so with utmost urgency. 

The European Union has been in contact with the Spanish authorities who have followed the case of Mr Julio Obama Mefuman, a dual Spanish and Equatorial Guinea citizen, and that of the others arrested and detained together with him. Spain had limited consular access to Mr Obama during his detention and while he was in hospital. Mr Obama Mefuman died in hospital in January. The European Union extends its condolences to his loved ones.  

The European Union is not in possession of the full details of Mr Obama Mefuman’s case. An inquiry on the circumstances surrounding his arrest and imprisonment is under way in Spain.  

The European Union is gravely concerned by the serious human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea, including with regard to prison conditions and the ill-treatment of, and violence against, the detainees. 

The European Union urges authorities to address these and other serious human rights challenges they face and is ready to assist Equatorial Guinea in this endeavour. 

Thank you. 

Link to the video (starting from 15:12): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-236755