From Malabo to Malibu: Addressing Corruption and Human Rights Abuse in an African Petrostate

Equatorial Guinea has what is widely regarded as one of the worst governments in the world. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo presides over a corrupt and repressive government, dominated by members of his own family who have benefited from the country's status as the third-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa. While Obiang and his family invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the United States and other developed countries, Equatorial Guinea remains among the poorest countries in the world according to human development indicators. This article describes the problems facing this small petrostate and notes several legal tools available to promote reform.