On August 13, 2024, human rights defender Joaquín Elo Ayeto was taken to Oveng Azem prison in Equatorial Guinea. Authorities accused him of illegal activities linked to Somos+; a civil society platform they claim is not legally registered. Since his transfer, there has been no news about his condition or whereabouts.
At the time of his arrest, Joaquín was reportedly suffering from both malaria and typhoid fever. He has been denied access to his family, lawyer, and the medical care he urgently needs.
Joaquín’s detention is arbitrary and stems only from his peaceful human rights work. He must be released immediately and unconditionally.
Here’s what you can do:
Write to the President of Equatorial Guinea urging him to:
- Immediately release Joaquín Elo Ayeto, as he is detained solely for peacefully exercising his human rights.
- Until his release, ensure he has immediate access to his family.
- Guarantee he can meet with his lawyers and receive all necessary healthcare in line with international human rights law.
Write to:
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
President of Equatorial Guinea
Palacio Presidencial de Guinea Ecuatorial
Avenida de Libertad,
Malabo, Guinea Ecuatorial
X/Twitter – @teonguema (Vice President)
Salutation: Your Excellency,
And copy:
His Excellency Crisantos Obama Ondo
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea
2020 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C., DC 2000
9United States of America
Tel: +1 (202) 518-5700 Fax: (202) 518-5252
Human rights and political work
Joaquín Elo Ayeto is a long-standing human rights defender in Equatorial Guinea. He is a member of the opposition party Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS) and also serves on the coordination team of Somos+, a civil society platform created in 2015. Somos+ works to expose abuses and promote the protection of human rights across the country.
Through his work with both CPDS and Somos+, Joaquín has been outspoken about violations committed by the authorities. His activism has made him a target of government harassment in the past, and his membership in these groups continues to put him at risk.
Arrest and detention
On August 1, 2024, gendarmes forcibly entered Joaquín’s home and arrested him. He was first taken to the Malabo gendarmerie station known as La Luna. On August 9, he was transferred to Black Beach prison in Malabo.
His arrest came just days after he and other representatives from Annobón island visited the French embassy in Malabo. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation with Somos+, which had been documenting human rights violations on the island. These violations followed community protests against damage caused by mining dynamite explosions.
Please take action as soon as possible until February 20, 2026. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.
