Equatorial Guinea moved its capital from the island to the mainland
The capital of Equatorial Guinea has been moved from Bioko Island to the mainland part of the country. This decision was made to enhance the security of state institutions and improve logistics, according to the local publication Guinea Ecuatorial Press. The corresponding decree was signed by the country's president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
Photo: pdge-guineaecuatorial.com
The new capital became the city of Ciudad de la Paz (translated from Spanish as "City of Peace"), replacing the city of Malabo. The document notes that moving the center of state administration guarantees the security of government institutions and and ensures the balanced development of all regions of the country.
Malabo, due to its island location, is considered vulnerable to external threats, whereas the new capital in the center of the mainland will become a "mother fortress of sovereignty" and an engine of progress for the country's citizens.
The construction of Ciudad de la Paz began in 2012, with the city's future role as capital in mind. It is located on the Wele River, 160 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean coast, 25 kilometers from the border with Gabon, and 60 kilometers from Cameroon, surrounded by dense tropical forests. The city is designed for 200,000 inhabitants.
Most ministries and government institutions have already moved from Malabo to Ciudad de la Paz. However, Malabo will retain some state services, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development. Foreign embassies and the main offices of large companies and banks are not yet planning to move to the new capital.
Malabo, home to about 350,000 people, remains the country's main commercial and financial center even after the administrative capital was moved.