The Equatorial Guinean National Dialogue: ANA and the promise of African-led mediation

Equatorial Guinea was the scene of a major political event from July 15 to 20, 2018: an inclusive national dialogue bringing the ruling party and the opposition together at the same table. At the heart of this process, an international organization played a decisive role: ANA, “Let Us Love Our Africa,” represented by its observer, Mr. Bekki Benameur.

Initiated by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and moderated by the Prime Minister, this forum took place in a climate of peace, respect, and mutual listening. The opposition was able to express itself freely, the government responded frankly, and ANA’s presence helped ensure that every voice was heard and that the exchanges remained constructive and oriented toward the common good.

This configuration, rare in Africa, made it possible to establish a space of trust in which differences could be expressed without the dialogue breaking down. ANA’s role, alongside diplomats, institutional leaders, and other observers, contributed to the transparency and credibility of the entire process.

This is precisely the vocation that this international organization has set for itself: to promote intra-African dialogue and encourage the peoples and leaders of the continent to prioritize consultation rather than confrontation. In a context where political crises are multiplying and imported solutions are struggling to produce results, ANA’s approach resonates as a credible alternative.

By ensuring a neutral and benevolent presence, the organization helped keep open the channel of communication between parties that everything seemed to oppose. Its role of coordination and facilitation laid the foundations for mutual trust, an indispensable condition for any lasting progress.

The Equatorial Guinean national dialogue, made possible thanks to the commitment of the authorities and ANA’s support, constitutes an encouraging precedent. It demonstrates that the path of dialogue remains open, even in the most complex contexts, and that African solutions to African problems are not an empty phrase.

The Equatorial Guinean experience recalls an essential truth: peace and stability cannot be decreed from outside. They are built patiently, through listening, respect, and the shared will to place the general interest above partisan divisions. In this sense,  the role of ANA deserves to be commended and reproduced across the continent.

Samuel BUKAVU