Vice President Teodorin Obiang brings logging sector under his control

摘要

Equatorial Guinean agriculture and forests minister Nicolas Houtondji Akapo has paid dearly for his recent management of the country's timber sales. He was suddenly replaced on 18 September despite having been reconfirmed at his post in the August government reshuffle (Africa Intelligence, 21/08/20). According to our sources, Akapo was removed in response to pressure from vice president in charge of defence Teodorin Obiang Nguema. It is understood that the reason for his sudden downfall was that he failed to use the services of companies close to Obiang Nguema, currently the country's strong man and president-in-waiting, for the sale of the country's timber.