Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has confirmed that discussions are underway with the United States regarding the potential acceptance of African migrants deported from American territory. While no final agreement has been reached, Mangue indicated a willingness to consider such a deal under specific conditions.
“There was a conversation where the United States expressed its intentions, but no conclusion was reached,” Mangue posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He noted that any potential agreement would hinge on the US providing financial support, including covering housing and living expenses for deportees and investing in reintegration initiatives.
Mangue also stressed that Equatorial Guinea would not accept individuals with criminal backgrounds, stating, “There could be an agreement, but we will choose who we accept based on their profiles.”
The development follows Washington’s broader efforts to find countries willing to accept deported migrants, part of a push to enforce President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.
However, the prospect of accepting deportees has sparked debate within Equatorial Guinea, where recent government actions contradict the proposed cooperation. According to the Spain-based opposition outlet Radio Macuto, authorities have ramped up crackdowns on migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, expelling long-settled residents—particularly Nigerians, Cameroonians, and Chadians—without due process.
This month, more than 200 Cameroonians were expelled, triggering diplomatic tensions with Yaounde. The Cameroonian government summoned Equatorial Guinea’s ambassador to express its displeasure, while Malabo defended its actions by citing the migrants’ undocumented status.
Critics question the government’s sincerity in negotiating with the US while continuing domestic deportations, with Radio Macuto highlighting a disconnect between official statements and realities on the ground.