Equatorial Guinea threatens to cut ties with France over Paris mansion auction

Equatorial Guinea is threatening a complete break in diplomatic relations with France over the planned auction of its diplomatic mission at 42 Avenue Foch in Paris.

The Equatorial Guinean authorities have rejected the procedure, calling it a violation of international law and an infringement on the immunity of their diplomatic premises.

In a post on X, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue condemned the move as “unilateral and hostile,” saying it is “incompatible with the principles that should govern relations between sovereign states.”

Reciprocity and international law

Vice President Obiang, also known as “Teodorin,” warned that France’s ambassador would be expelled within 24 hours if diplomatic staff were evicted from the building.

Malabo said it does not recognize the legality or effects of the sale, and insisted that diplomatic relations “must be based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and international law, not on administrative decisions imposed by one state to the detriment of another.”

The Paris property

The French government has launched the auction of the mansion. The first phase, to assess the financial standing of bidders, has begun. A second phase is scheduled for fall 2026.

The property is at the center of France’s “ill-gotten gains” case. French courts have definitively confiscated the building, which is linked to the Obiang family. A 2021 French law provides that assets seized in such cases must be used to fund projects of general interest for the local population.

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