Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo: Africa is starting to wake up, and it is very interested in changing world order
Africa is beginning to wake up, and it is very interested in changing the world order towards greater justice and real independence of African states – as noted by the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, after his today’s negotiations with the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, in narrow and expanded formats, BelTA reports
"It is obvious that the world needs changes, but they should happen through the creation of new alliances. The monopoly [of the West] must end," the President of Equatorial Guinea is convinced.
According to him, the states that once colonised the countries of Africa believe that they have the right to exploit the natural resources of this region ‘in exchange for nothing’. As an example, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo mentioned the relationship between Niger and France, where the latter exploited uranium deposits with exceptional benefit for itself.
"France believes that it has the right to exploit Niger's products, so now people there are promoting the revolution and expressing their disagreement. Thus, Africa is slowly beginning to wake up. I am sure that there will be big changes over the next two decades (or even earlier)," he said, adding, “We need a new world order.” In this regard, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo recalled the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg, which, according to him, had ‘a great response in Africa’.
"If the countries of the Global South unite, we can impose a new world order," the President of Equatorial Guinea is convinced. “Thanks to this consolidation of forces, we will be able to resist the pressure exerted on us [by Western countries].”
"Therefore, we are focused to ensure that our co-operation [with Belarus] becomes pragmatic and exemplary – to show that Africa can rise from its knees. Belarus is industrially developed, it is self-sufficient and helps other countries. I would like to express my gratitude to my friend and brother President Aleksandr Lukashenko for showing fraternity and solidarity with Equatorial Guinea and the African continent. We will be able to work jointly to achieve new goals and results," Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo summed up.
The President of Equatorial Guinea also touched upon the topic of foreign policy and the global world order during negotiations with the Belarusian leader in an expended format, "The world order does not correspond to what is established in the UN Charter. In fact, the world today is completely divided and functions through groups that have different interests." In this situation, it is all the more important for small states to build close relationships, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is sure. "The main purpose of this visit is to confirm the political will of my country to strengthen ties, friendship and co-operation," he said, stressing that the common interests of Belarus and Equatorial Guinea are based on adherence to such principles and values as multipolarity, the desire for peaceful resolution of problems and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
