Equatorial Guinea has taken its dispute with France to the International Court of Justice, seeking to stop the sale of a luxury mansion in Paris that was seized during a corruption probe into Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of the country’s president.
The legal case, filed in 2022, accuses France of breaching international law by keeping assets confiscated from Obiang following his 2017 conviction.
The property, located on Avenue Foch—one of the most expensive streets in Paris—was seized alongside high-end vehicles and other luxury items. Obiang received a three-year suspended sentence for misusing public funds.
During hearings at the United Nations court, Equatorial Guinea’s legal team criticized France’s actions, describing them as disrespectful to national sovereignty.
The country is now requesting urgent provisional measures to prevent the sale of the property and to ensure its return.
France has previously maintained that the building is not protected under diplomatic laws.
In 2020, the court ruled the mansion was a private residence and not part of the country’s diplomatic mission, rejecting Equatorial Guinea’s earlier claims.
The disputed mansion features a private cinema, nightclub, and hammam, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of Obiang, who has come under investigation in several countries.
In addition to the French case, he has faced legal actions in Switzerland, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, where he was sanctioned for using public money on extravagant purchases, including a famous glove once worn by Michael Jackson.
Despite being rich in oil and gas, Equatorial Guinea continues to face severe inequality. The ruling elite lives in wealth, while most of the population struggles with poverty.
The country has been under the rule of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Africa’s longest-serving leader, since 1979.