Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, has advised citizens against traveling to the United States following a US travel ban on the country.
Despite the ban, which took effect Monday, Mangue asserted that Malabo maintains “excellent relations” with Washington, considering the US its “main economic partner and investor.”
Last month, Equatorial Guinea confirmed discussions with the United States about receiving third-country migrants under a Trump administration expulsion program.
Mangue stated the ban would have “no impact” on Equatorial Guinea, as fewer than 50 citizens travel to the US annually.
However, Deogracias Ndong, a medical student, called the decision “discriminatory and racist,” citing his desire to study in the US.
Several African nations have expressed surprise at their inclusion on the ban list.
Chad, for instance, has engaged in “constructive dialogue” with the US after a retaliatory visa suspension.
A recent 16-country survey by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation indicated that nearly six in 10 young Africans consider emigration in the next three years, primarily for employment, with the United States as their preferred destination.
The US Embassy in Malabo reported that 70% of Equatorial Guinean students and 22% of tourists overstayed their visas.
While oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, with 1.6 million people, was previously shielded from youth exodus, its economy entered recession in 2023 due to oil price falls, leading to 8.5% unemployment.
