The government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) has signed an agreement with the Red Cross for Central Africa for permanent mission and continuous dialogue between the government of Equatorial Guinea and the Red Cross. Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, Pastor Micha Ondo Bile, met with the Regional Delegate of the Red Cross for Central Africa (IFRC), Jean-Jacques Tshamala to sign the agreement
President Obiang continues to follow the comprehensive reform and transparency program that he announced in an address at the 2010 Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. At that time, he pledged to invite the International Red Cross to install its headquarters in Equatorial Guinea and assist in reviewing and assessing all allegations of human rights violations in the country. "We will also ask for help in monitoring our Criminal Justice System and prisons to ensure the humane treatment and appropriate for those convicted of crimes."
In declarations to the press, Jean-Jacques Tshamala expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the agreement. "The Red Cross has been working in this country for a long time and we are aware of the need to continue to contribute to and support the country's progress. This agreement will serve, for example, to reinforce the ability of the armed forces in humanitarian sectors, and to debate together the specific problems of the sectors in which we are collaborating."
In June, Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote President Obiang a letter offering assistance for the government's efforts toward human rights and transparency reform. In addition to its efforts to develop a system of greater transparency and respect for the rule of law, the government has launched a program to develop infrastructure throughout the country. It has built airports, roads, schools, and hospitals with the goal of investing the funds from the country's natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens.
