For Immediate Release

(Washington, DC, June 2, 2011)--Security forces in Equatorial Guinea have detained more than 200 youth in the past week. The reasons for the detentions remain unclear, although government authorities chastised parents for giving their children too much liberty.

The government ended the school year in May this year, one month earlier than normal, apparently as part of its effort to prepare for the 17th African Union Summit, scheduled to begin on June 23 in Malabo. The theme of this year's summit is "Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development".

"There is considerable irony in the fact that the government of Equatorial Guinea is closing schools and detaining youth in the weeks leading up to a Summit focused on youth empowerment," said Tutu Alicante, executive director of EG Justice. "The protection of civil liberties and human rights are fundamental values of the African Union that President Obiang, as the African Union chair, ought to apply inside Equatorial Guinea."

For more information, please contact:

Tutu Alicante (English, French, Spanish): 615-479-0207

Joseph Kraus (English, Spanish): 202-643-4345

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAMBAZUKA NEWS

* EG Justice is the leading international
non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting human rights,
the rule of law, transparency, and civic participation in Equatorial
Guinea. To learn more, visit http://www.egjustice.org
* Please send comments to editor[at]pambazuka[dot]org or comment online at Pambazuka News.