Equatorial Guinea has shut down its diplomatic mission in London following UK sanctions against Vice President Teodorin Nguema Obiang, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, over corruption allegations.
Foreign Minister Simeon Oyono Esono condemned the measures, stating the government rejects external interference in its internal affairs. "This violates international law principles," he said, without specifying when the embassy closure would take effect.
The UK imposed sanctions on Teodorin Obiang on Thursday, accusing him of diverting state funds to personal accounts. British officials alleged he spent $500 million on global real estate, luxury vehicles, and a $275,000 diamond-encrusted Michael Jackson glove from the 1987 "Bad" tour.
Equatorial Guinea, the only Spanish-speaking nation in sub-Saharan Africa, remains one of the region's most isolated states despite oil wealth. President Obiang, 79, has led since 1979 after deposing his uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who ruled since the country's 1968 independence from Spain.
Teodorin Obiang, 53, serves as vice president and is seen as his father's likely successor. The sanctions include asset freezes and UK entry bans. The government dismissed the measures as "unilateral and illegal," accusing foreign NGOs of fabricating allegations.
Teodorin faces ongoing legal battles in France, where a 2020 court ordered asset confiscation and a 30-million-euro fine over corruption. A final ruling by France's Court of Cassation is pending.
