Equatorial Guinea restricts Internet after viral video accuses Vice President of Corruption

Equatorial Guinea blocks Facebook, TikTok over viral corruption video

Equatorial Guinea has blocked access to Facebook and TikTok following the circulation of a viral video accusing Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang of corruption.

According to News Central, the two social media platforms have been inaccessible for more than two weeks, while internet speeds across the Central African country have been restricted since September 2. Users reportedly require virtual private networks to access Facebook and TikTok.

Other Meta-owned services, including WhatsApp and Instagram, remain available but are operating under restrictions.

The shutdown followed the publication of a video in which a young woman accused Nguema Obiang, widely known as Teodorin and the eldest son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, of corruption. Authorities later arrested the woman.

Nguema Obiang was convicted in France in 2021 in an “ill-gotten gains” case. His assets were also frozen in Britain following investigations into alleged corruption, the report said. Facebook and TikTok remain unavailable.