During the 2024 UNPO General Assembly held on May 11th, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) proudly announced the official acceptance of the Republic of Annobón as its newest member.
The island of Annobón, the southernmost island in the Gulf of Guinea, is situated close to the equator, approximately 180 km south of São Tomé and Príncipe, and about 335 km off the coast of Gabon. As of 2024, the population of the Republic of Annobón is estimated to be approximately 5,400. However, due to forced displacement, the exact number remains uncertain.
The Annobonese people, also known as Ambô or Êmbô, historically the minority ethnicity in Equatorial Guinea, speak Fa D’Ambô, a Portuguese creole language with significant lexical similarities to Forro Creole or Saotomense, and notable Spanish influences. This linguistic heritage reflects the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of the Annobonese identity.
Unfortunately the Republic of Annobón has faced severe human rights violations under the leadership of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema. Documented abuses include unlawful killings, torture, forced displacement, lack of essential infrastructure, toxic waste dumping, arbitrary arrests, political suppression, privacy violations, restrictions on free expression and assembly, human trafficking, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals. These issues are compounded by harsh prison conditions, interference with freedom of movement, and severe media restrictions, further impeding the region’s socio-economic development and eroding democratic principles.
In response to ignored petitions for autonomy, on July 8, 2022, the Annobonese people unilaterally declared their independence, establishing the Republic of Annobón.
The acceptance of the Republic of Annobón into the UNPO brings greater recognition, support and awareness for its peoples and their ideals of freedom and equality. The Annobonese community is characterized by its strong commitment to these values, a legacy of their historical, linguistic, cultural, and territorial heritage.
The UNPO looks forward to working closely with the Republic of Annobón, supporting their efforts to protect their cultural heritage, promote human rights, and achieve their aspirations.
