Corruption in Equatorial Guinea

Christiane Amanpour speaks with Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of Equatorial Guinea.

Dissent in Equatorial Guinea

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo talks about democracy in Equatorial Guinea and sharing power with this son.

By Lucky Gold, CNN

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the world’s longest-serving leader, says that allegations of massive corruption within his own family are “all the work or our enemies.”

The governments of the United States and France are investigating Obiang’s son, Teodorin, for corruption, extortion and money-laundering that includes multi-million dollar mansions, Maseratis and Michael Jackson memorabilia. But Obiang, who has held power in the African nation of Equitorial Guinea since 1979, defended his son, who is also Vice President: “First of all, my son, even before he became a politician, he’s always been a businessman. He has his own private business activities.”

Appearing Monday on Amanpour, he added, “There are no signs or any proof that he had actually embezzled any government property or government money. The moment he became a minister, he contributed a great deal into the coffers of the government’s administration.” FULL POST