AGP Executive Report

Gas Projects: Chevron says Equatorial Guinea’s Aseng project remains on track to deliver first gas in 2028. State oil company GEPetrol says it hopes to secure investment decisions on at least two more gas projects within 12–18 months, including Fortuna. International Affairs: A US judge ordered the government to return an Egyptian man deported to Equatorial Guinea, renewing scrutiny of the country’s role in third-country deportations. Sweden also lifted its detention order on the tanker Sea Owl 1 after confirming it was registered under Equatorial Guinea’s flag. Paris Property Dispute: France and Equatorial Guinea remain at odds over a luxury Paris mansion formerly owned by Vice President Teodorin Obiang; Equatorial Guinean diplomats have refused to leave despite a court order. Oil Output: Equatorial Guinea’s OPEC crude production fell by 2,000 barrels per day in September to 45,000 bpd. Women’s Football: Equatorial Guinea were eliminated from Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifying after Burkina Faso won their tie 4–2 on aggregate. Independence Day: Ceremonies in Caracas marked 58 years since Equatorial Guinea’s independence, while President Kais Saied received the country’s outgoing ambassador to Tunisia.

Deportation Case: A U.S. federal judge ordered the government to return an Arizona man deported to Equatorial Guinea, ruling his removal unlawful. Paris Property Dispute: France is pressing ahead with the sale of a 100-room Paris mansion linked to Vice President Teodorin Obiang, but Equatorial Guinea’s diplomats have refused to leave. Gas Investment: State oil company GEPetrol says the country hopes to secure final investment decisions on at least two gas projects within 12–18 months. Oil Output: Equatorial Guinea’s OPEC production fell by 2,000 barrels a day in September, to 45,000. Regional Finance: Five older CFA franc coin series will stop being legal tender in Equatorial Guinea and other CEMAC countries on November 1; holders can exchange them through October 2027. Travel Restrictions: The United States’ visa suspension includes Equatorial Guinean nationals, with limited exemptions. UN Reform: Equatorial Guinea joined fellow African Union members in renewing calls for two permanent Security Council seats with veto rights and five non-permanent seats.

Gas Development: Equatorial Guinea is aiming for final investment decisions on at least two gas projects within 12–18 months, building on Chevron’s approved Aseng hub project; the Fortuna development is among the prospects. Paris Property Dispute: France is pressing ahead with the sale of a luxury mansion used as Equatorial Guinea’s embassy, but diplomats remain in the building despite a court order to leave. Maritime Affairs: Sweden lifted its detention order on the sanctioned tanker Sea Owl 1 after Equatorial Guinea confirmed it was properly registered under the country’s flag. Oil Output: Equatorial Guinea’s crude production fell by 2,000 barrels a day in September, to 45,000 bpd, even as OPEC output rose sharply. Migration and Visas: Equatorial Guinea is among African countries receiving third-country deportees from the US, while Washington’s visa suspension for Equatorial Guinean nationals remains in effect. Football: The country’s team exited the African qualifiers for the 2028 Olympics after losing 4–2 on aggregate to Burkina Faso.

Paris Property Dispute: France is pressing to sell a luxury mansion used as Equatorial Guinea’s embassy, but diplomats remain inside despite a court order to leave; Teodorin Obiang has called the sale illegal. Gas Investment: Equatorial Guinea hopes to secure final investment decisions for at least two gas projects within 12–18 months, building on Chevron’s approval of the Aseng gas hub. Oil Output: The country’s OPEC production fell by 2,000 barrels per day in September to 45,000 bpd. Deportation Case: A US federal judge has ordered the government to return an Arizona man deported to Equatorial Guinea, ruling the removal unlawful. Independence Day: Malabo marked the October 12 holiday with a public flash mob, while Russian Defence Ministry representatives held a children’s event featuring military equipment. Regional Currency: Older CFA franc coins lose legal tender status across CEMAC, including Equatorial Guinea, on November 1; holders can exchange them through October 2027.

Independence Day: Qatar’s Amir and other UAE leaders sent congratulations to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua. In Malabo, residents marked October 12 with a flash mob forming the ceiba tree, a national symbol. Deportation Case: A US federal judge ordered the government to facilitate the return of Ahmed Soliman, an Egyptian-born man deported to Equatorial Guinea. The judge cited unrebutted accounts that Soliman was detained and abused in Malabo. US Visas: Equatorial Guinea remains among the countries whose nationals face a full US visa-issuance suspension, in force since January 1. CEMAC Currency: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal tender status across the six-member bloc, including Equatorial Guinea, on November 1. They can be exchanged through October 31, 2027. Tanker Registration: Sweden lifted its operating ban on the sanctioned tanker Sea Owl 1 after confirming its registration under Equatorial Guinea’s flag.

Independence Day: Equatorial Guinea marked 58 years of independence on October 12. A Malabo flash mob formed the shape of the ceiba tree, while Russian Defence Ministry representatives hosted a children’s event featuring military equipment and cartoons. Maritime: Sweden released the EU-sanctioned tanker Sea Owl 1 after confirming it was flying Equatorial Guinea’s flag. The vessel remains in Trelleborg. Deportation Case: A US judge ordered the return of Ahmed Soliman, an Egyptian man deported to Equatorial Guinea, after finding his removal unlawful; US officials say they have begun arranging his return. Court filings recount allegations that he was beaten and threatened while detained in Malabo. US Visas: A US suspension covering nationals of Equatorial Guinea and 11 other African countries blocks immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuance, with limited exceptions. Regional: Five old CEMAC coin series will lose legal-tender status on November 1. Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea’s women lost 3-1 to Burkina Faso in a Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifying match and face a return leg in Yaoundé.

Independence Day: UAE and Mauritanian leaders sent congratulations to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo as Equatorial Guinea marked its national day on October 12. US Deportation Case: A US judge has ordered the return of Ahmed Soliman, an Egyptian man deported to Equatorial Guinea, citing a denial of due process. US officials say they have begun arranging his return; the judge cited reports he was beaten and detained incommunicado. Visa Restrictions: Equatorial Guinean citizens remain among those barred from receiving US visas under restrictions that took effect in January. Women’s Football: The national team lost 3-1 to Burkina Faso in a Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier; the return leg is scheduled for October 13 in Yaoundé. Regional Economy: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC, including Equatorial Guinea, on November 1, with a one-year exchange period planned. Spain Military: Equatorial Guinea is the only African country whose citizens can apply through Spain’s foreign-nationals military recruitment pathway, subject to residency and age rules.

Deportation Case: A U.S. federal judge ordered Washington to secure Ahmed Soliman’s release from detention in Malabo and return him to the United States after ruling his deportation unlawful. The judge cited unrebutted reports that Soliman was threatened, beaten and held incommunicado by Equatorial Guinean authorities; U.S. officials say they have begun arranging his return. National Day: Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani congratulated President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, expressing hopes for Equatorial Guinea’s progress and closer cooperation between the two countries. Black Beach Prison: Families of two Spanish nationals jailed in Malabo since January 2025 held a protest in Granada, alleging the men face a trial without evidence and urging Spain’s government to intervene. Regional Affairs: Equatorial Guinea is among 10 African countries represented on the African Union committee pressing for permanent African seats on the UN Security Council, including veto rights. CEMAC Currency: Older CFA franc coins will lose legal tender status across the six-member bloc, including Equatorial Guinea, from November 1; a one-year exchange period is planned.

Deportation Case: A US judge has ordered the Trump administration to secure Ahmed Soliman’s release from detention in Malabo and return him to the United States. The administration says it has begun arranging his return. Soliman, an Egyptian national deported in April, says he faced abuse; the judge ruled his removal violated his due-process rights. Rights Concerns: Human Rights Watch says more than 500 migrants have been sent to African countries where they are not citizens since 2025, and alleges some faced arbitrary detention or risked being sent to places where they could face persecution. Equatorial Guinea is among the countries receiving deportees. Detainees: Families of two Spanish men held in Black Beach prison planned a protest in Granada, accusing Spain’s government of abandoning them and warning they face trial without evidence. Regional Economy: Old CFA franc coin series issued between 1958 and 1985 will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC, including Equatorial Guinea, on November 1. Women’s Football: Equatorial Guinea lost 3-1 to Burkina Faso in the first leg of their 2028 Olympic qualifying tie; the return is scheduled for October 13.

Deportation Case: A federal judge ordered the U.S. government to secure Ahmed Soliman’s release from detention in Malabo and return him to the United States, ruling his deportation violated due process. U.S. officials say they have begun arranging his return. The judge cited unrebutted reports that Equatorial Guinean authorities threatened and beat Soliman, an Egyptian man who had no ties to the country. Families’ Protest: Relatives of two Spaniards held in Black Beach prison since January 2025 called for a demonstration in Granada, accusing Spain’s government of abandoning them as they face a possible trial they say lacks evidence. Women’s Football: Equatorial Guinea lost 3–1 to Burkina Faso in the first leg of their LA 2028 Olympic qualifying tie; the return match is scheduled for October 13 in Yaoundé. Regional Currency: Old CFA franc coins from five series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC, including Equatorial Guinea, on November 1. Holders will have a year to exchange them. Rights Concerns: Human Rights Watch says U.S. deportations to African countries, including Equatorial Guinea, violate international law; it reports that more than 500 people were sent to countries where they are not citizens.

Detention in Malabo: Families of two Spanish telecom workers imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea since January 2025 plan to block traffic in Granada today, protesting what they call their government’s abandonment and warning the men face a trial without evidence. Deportation Case: The U.S. says it has begun arranging Ahmed Soliman’s return after a federal judge ordered his release from detention in Equatorial Guinea and return to the United States. Soliman, an Egyptian man deported from Arizona, has reported abuse and detention in Malabo. Rights Concerns: Human Rights Watch says 536 people were deported from the U.S. to African countries where they are neither citizens nor habitual residents between January 2025 and August 2026, and alleges the policy exposes some to arbitrary detention and abuse. Women’s Football: Equatorial Guinea lost 3–1 to Burkina Faso in the first leg of their Olympic qualifying tie; the return match is scheduled for October 13 in Yaoundé. Regional Economy: Older CFA franc coins issued in 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976 and 1985 lose legal tender status across CEMAC on November 1, with a one-year exchange period announced. Spain’s Military: Equatorial Guinean citizens are among nationals of 18 countries eligible to enlist in Spain’s armed forces without Spanish citizenship.

Deportation Case: The U.S. says it has begun arranging Ahmed Soliman’s return after a federal judge ruled his deportation to Equatorial Guinea unlawful. Soliman, a gay Egyptian man, has been detained in Malabo; the judge cited reports he was threatened, beaten and held incommunicado. Women’s Football: Equatorial Guinea lost 3-1 to Burkina Faso in the first leg of their 2028 Olympic qualifying tie. The return match is scheduled for October 13 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Regional Currency: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal tender status across CEMAC, including Equatorial Guinea, on November 1. Holders will have a one-year exchange period, though details are pending. Deportation Policy: Human Rights Watch says more than 500 migrants have been sent by the U.S. to African countries other than their own, including Equatorial Guinea, and reports arbitrary detention and mistreatment.

Deportation Case: A US federal judge ordered Washington to take steps to release Ahmed Soliman from custody in Equatorial Guinea and return him to the United States. The Egyptian-born man, deported in April, says he has faced threats and abuse; the judge ruled his removal violated due process. Rights Concerns: Human Rights Watch says more than 500 people have been deported from the US to African countries they are not citizens of, including Equatorial Guinea, and calls the policy unlawful. The group says some deportees were detained or sent onward despite risks of persecution; Equatorial Guinea has not commented on Soliman’s case. Gas Strategy: Equatorial Guinea is seeking to turn Punta Europa into a regional gas hub, but confirmed projects may not supply enough gas to keep its LNG plant fully supplied as the Alba field declines. Football: Equatorial Guinea’s U-23 side could meet Ghana in the final qualifying round for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations if Ghana beats Libya in November and Equatorial Guinea gets past Niger.

Deportation Case: A US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to take all reasonable steps to release Ahmed Soliman from custody in Equatorial Guinea and return him to the United States. Soliman, an Egyptian-born Phoenix resident, says he was beaten and threatened after his deportation; the judge found his removal violated due process. Rights Concerns: Human Rights Watch says 536 people were deported to African countries where they had no citizenship or habitual residence from January 2025 to August 2026. The group alleges some faced arbitrary detention or were sent onward despite risks of persecution; Equatorial Guinea has not publicly responded to Soliman’s case. Gas Strategy: Equatorial Guinea is seeking to turn Punta Europa into a regional gas hub as output from the ageing Alba field declines. Planned tiebacks could lift supply, but more gas will be needed to sustain the LNG facility. U-23 Football: Ghana will meet Libya in November’s AFCON U-23 qualifiers; the winner could face Equatorial Guinea or Niger in the final round.

Deportation Case: A U.S. judge has ordered the government to facilitate the return of Ahmed Soliman, an Arizona man deported to Equatorial Guinea, where he says he was beaten and threatened. The court rejected the government’s claim that it could not help because he is in Equatoguinean custody. Gas Strategy: Equatorial Guinea is seeking to turn Punta Europa into a regional gas hub as the Alba field declines. Planned projects could lift supply, but confirmed gas volumes still fall short of the LNG plant’s capacity, making new sources essential. Malabo Detentions: Families of two Spanish telecom workers held in Black Beach prison for more than 20 months plan a protest in Granada, alleging the men face an imminent trial without evidence. Regional Economy: CEMAC’s average effective lending rate fell to 10.94% in the second quarter, but Equatorial Guinea’s rate remained higher at 13.82%. Public Health: A UN-backed report says at least 251 tonnes of illicit medicines were seized across six Central African countries, including Equatorial Guinea, from 2020 to 2025, warning of treatment failures and preventable deaths. Football: Zimbabwe’s next home match against Equatorial Guinea will be played behind closed doors after CAF sanctions over a fan’s death and a pitch invasion.

Deportation Concerns: An Arizona-born man deported by the U.S. to Equatorial Guinea has reportedly faced threats and beatings while held at a Malabo hotel; he is believed to be in hospital. Detained Spaniards: Families of two Spanish telecommunications workers held in Black Beach prison since January 2025 plan to protest in Granada on October 10, alleging the men face an imminent trial without evidence. AFCON Qualifiers: Zimbabwe’s next home match, against Equatorial Guinea, will be played behind closed doors after CAF sanctions over a fan’s death and a pitch invasion. Medicine Safety: A UN-backed report warns that trafficking in medicines is a major public-health threat across Central Africa. More than 251 tonnes were seized in the region from 2020 to 2025, but figures for Equatorial Guinea were unavailable. Travel and Education: Equatorial Guinea is among 46 African countries whose citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. Malabo also remains one of 10 overseas cities where Nigerians can sit their UTME university entrance exam.