In June 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) issued a formal opinion classifying the arrests of 37 Annobonese individuals as arbitrary under Categories I, II, III and V of the WGAD’s classification system. The WGAD opinion brought about the release of the 37 victims who were arbitrarily detained by the Government of Equatorial Guinea following peaceful protests against human rights violations in late 2024. The UNPO welcomes their release and the opinion adopted by the UN WGAD.
Between July and August, Equatorial Guinea authorities arbitrarily arrested 42 community members in response to peaceful demonstrations in Annobón against concerns over human rights abuses, environmental degradation, the use of dynamite for mineral extraction, poor infrastructure and systemic discrimination. The UNPO prepared a detailed report on this issue which was submitted to the UN Special Procedures in November 2024 – you can read it here.
In September 2024, a submission was made to the WGAD on behalf of the Annobón community, outlining how, following protests by Annobonese citizens against the use of dynamite for mineral extraction on the island, 42 individuals were subjected to mass arrests on Annobón and in other parts of Equatorial Guinea (Malabo and Bata). Five women were later released under conditions of duress.
The submission argues that the arrests of these individuals and the detention of the 37 Annobonese was arbitrary based on Categories I, II, III and V of the WGAD’s classification. As Category IV explicitly relates to asylum seekers, immigrants, or refugees, it was not applicable in this case. The submission highlighted the following concerns in relation to the WGAD’s classification of arbitrary detention:
- Lack of Legal Basis (Category I): Detainees were held for 27 days without being brought before a court or receiving proper legal assistance, violating domestic and international law regarding prompt judicial review. Habeas corpus petitions were ignored.
- Violation of Rights and Freedoms (Category II): The detentions are argued to be a direct result of the citizens exercising their rights to freedom of opinion, expression, assembly, association, and political participation.
- Absence of Fair Trial Guarantees (Category III): The complaint alleges severe breaches of due process, including lack of legal access, unaddressed habeas corpus petitions, closed-door court sessions, and mass remand to a notorious prison (Black Beach) without proper evidence. There are also reports of torture.
- Discrimination (Category V): The arrests are also attributed to discrimination based on the Annobonese citizens’ distinct ethnic, linguistic, and cultural origin, as well as their political opinions regarding Annobón’s self-determination.
The submission requested, inter alia, the immediate release of those deprived of their liberty and that the Republic of Equatorial Guinea investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the arbitrary arrests.
In response to the submission, the WGAD published its opinion in June 2025. Although the Government claimed the arrests were lawful on account of Annobón’s 2022 declaration of independence, the WGAD affirmed that the detentions were arbitrary under Categories I, II, III and V:
- Category I (Lack of legal basis): Detained without warrants or proper legal justification, and held for 25 days without judicial review, violating domestic and international law.
- Category II (Exercise of rights): Detained for exercising their rights to freedom of opinion, expression, assembly, association, and political participation, particularly as environmental human rights defenders.
- Category III (Violation of fair trial rights): Denied legal assistance, subjected to collective trial procedures without individualization, and alleged torture, violating due process.
- Category V (Discrimination): Detained due to discrimination based on their distinct Annobonese identity and political opinions, evidenced by collective punishment like cutting off communication.
Based on the arbitrary nature of the arrests, the WGAD requested the Government to immediately release the 37 individuals, grant them compensation and other reparations, conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the violations, and disseminate the opinion widely. It also expressed interest in visiting Equatorial Guinea.
Although the release of the 37 detainees and the WGAD’s finding that their arrests were arbitrary are welcome developments, they came only after significant delays and under harsh physical conditions. The UNPO urges the Government of Equatorial Guinea to fully comply with the WGAD’s recommendations and further calls on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the people of Annobón, upholding their fundamental human rights as enshrined in international law, including their right to self-determination and participation in decision-making processes.
Urgent Call to End the Internet Shutdown in Annobón, Equatorial Guinea
The petition calls on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to take urgent action to end the ongoing internet shutdown on Annobón Island, Equatorial Guinea, which has been in place since July 20, 2024. Following local protests over environmental concerns, authorities blocked internet access, suspended Starlink services, and banned satellite devices, leaving the island’s population isolated and unable to communicate or document abuses. The shutdown violates both national and international human rights obligations, including freedom of expression. The petition urges the Commission to condemn the shutdown, demand the immediate restoration of access, and call for the release of those arbitrarily detained during the protests.
Sign the Petition here: https://act.accessnow.org/page/173891/action/1#add-your-name-to-the-petiton
