Equatorial Guinea Roundup: Budget analysis, military recruitment, social housing
State Budgets analysis
Finance Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Fortunato Ofa Mbo Nchama has presented the country’s 2024 budget estimate bill before the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Commerce, Finance and Budgets for analysis to begin. The budget presented reveals a position balance running into millions of CFA Francs. The country’s primary source of revenue remains oil, guineaecuatorialpress reports. An explanatory memorandum of the bill states that it covers the equilibrium between public resources and expenditures, the financial transactions of the state, and budgetary management. The budget is therefore aimed at achieving the government’s goal in the Equatorial Guinea 2035 agenda.
Senate conventions and agreements
The Senate Plenary session has approved amongst others some agreements and conventions to enhance friendliness with other Portuguese-speaking nations. The session which took place on November 21 2023, was by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeón Oyono Esono Angué, guineaecuatorialpress reports. The Foreign Affairs Minister amongst mentioned others the mutual extension of visas for diplomatic and service passport holders between Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania, as well as the reciprocal visa extension for diplomatic and service passports between Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Mozambique.
Military recruitment
About 680 young people in Equatorial Guinea have applied for various roles in army training. The General Directorate of Recruitment say they began the recruitment process on November 20, 2023, to the General Obiang Inter-Arms Military School at both officer and non-officer ranks, Ahora EG reports. The Directorate further stated that they will commence with physical and medical evaluations while the written examination is scheduled for November 21. In the officer category, 480 individuals have submitted applications, whereas 200 have applied for the non-commissioned officer rank.
Social housing
Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Nguema Obiang Mangue has said that the government will release 26 billion ($23 million) for the construction of state social housing. This decision arises from his concern regarding the substandard living conditions of certain residents in the social housing of new urban developments in Malabo and Bata, Ahoreg EG reports. Mangue further indicates that construction is slated to commence in February 2024 and will be under the supervision of a control company.
Protection of minors
President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has signed a decree by which measures aimed at safeguarding the welfare of minors will be adopted in the country. Mbasogo emphasized that the purpose of Decree number 141/2023 is to bridge the gap in the country concerning the need for the relevant institutions to intensify their efforts to meet all existing demands for enhanced protection of minors in Equatorial Guinea, Real Equatorial Guinea reported. The president was in the company of the first lady, Mrs. Constancia Mangué Nsue Okomo.
