Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea abolished the death penalty, state television announced Monday, citing a new law signed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The president's son who serves as one of the country's vice-presidents lauded the move he called "historic" on Twitter.
The last official execution in the small country was carried out in 2014, according to Amnesty International. Still, international NGOs and the United Nations regularly accuse the regime of forced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture.
The measure will come into force in the 90 days following its publication in the official state journal and was approved by parliament in advance.
Equatorial Guinea follows the Central African Republic in May 2022, Chad in 2020 and Sierra Leone last year in recent years' ban on capital punishment on the African continent.
President Obiang, 80, has spent more than 43 years in power, a world record when excluding monarchies.
01:00
Mexico’s new Supreme Court takes office amid legitimacy concerns
Go to video
Iran's president says hijab law might have led to 'war' in society
Go to video
Elephant forced to drink beer at Kenyan nature park
00:49
CHAN 2024: First-time finalists Madagascar steps into the lion’s den
Go to video
Nigeria bans raw shea nut exports to boost local industry
Go to video
Abrego Garcia case shows Uganda has ”no pride left”: Fmr. General