Equatorial Guinea, one of the world’s most authoritarian countries, has abolished the death penalty, according to state television, which cited a new law signed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
Capital punishment was “totally abolished” in the oil-rich central African country after the president signed a new penal code, the vice-president tweeted on Monday.
The last official execution in the small country was carried out in 2014, according to Amnesty International, but international NGOs and the UN regularly accuse the regime of forced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture.
“I am writing in capitals to seal this unique moment: ‘EQUATORIAL GUINEA HAS ABOLISHED THE DEATH PENALTY’,” tweeted vice-president Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, one of the head of state’s sons and viewed as his likely successor.
A journalist on state television called the event “historic for our country” in a brief announcement at the end of a news programme.
The measure will come into force within 90 days after its publication in the official state journal and was approved by parliament in advance.
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President Obiang, 80, has spent more than 43 years in power, a world record when excluding monarchies.