The Cruel Dictator: Teodoro Mbasogo Quiz

Answer: Equatorial Guinea

As of October 2009, the President of Egypt is Hosni Mubarak, the President of Namibia is Hifikepunye Pohamba, and the President of Cameroon is Paul Biya. In a coup on August 3rd 1979, Teodoro Mbasogo forcibly removed President Francisco Macías Nguema from power, officially taking office as President on October 10th 1979.

Answer: True

The position was one of his various jobs during the presidency of Francisco Macías Nguema. During Francisco Macías Nguema's presidency, he was also the head of the Black Beach Prison, and leader of the National Guard. Bioko is a small island in the Gulf of Guinea, 779 square miles in area, and is also very mountainous.

Its highest point is a volcano, Pico Basilé, which rises to 9,878 feet above sea level. Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, is located on Bioko and is also the largest city in Equatorial Guinea, and the largest on the island.

Answer: Colonel

He joined the military during June 1963 as a cadet of the territorial guard. Starting on September 15th, 1963 he attended General Francisco Franco Military Academy in Sargasso, Spain. He graduated in 1965, and specialized in the handling of military vehicles. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel on January 31st, 1981.

Answer: Francisco was Teodoro's uncle

A brutal man, Teodoro overthrew his uncle as president, and Francisco would be murdered as part of a court sentence on September 29th, 1979. Since Francisco was the first President of Equatorial Guinea, the office stayed within the family for at least 40 years.

Answer: Acoacán

All of the incorrect answers are capitals of of Equatorial Guinean provinces, Bata is the capital of Litoral province, Ebebiyín is the capital of Kié-Ntem Province, and Mongomo is really just a "geographical region" of Wele-Nzas Province, but is the capital of the province. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was born on June 5th, 1942.

Answer: True

Actions such as this make Teodoro popular with some people, though others tell a far different story. He is accused of ruling through torture, terror, and taking down his opponents. Human rights groups, including the United Nations, claim many human rights violations.

These include unfair trials, horrible prison conditions, and torture of political prisoners. Teodoro also has complete control over the media, and has been alleged of nepotism, which basically means he favors relatives for government positions, regardless of their suitability for the position. My source for this question was http://www.dictatorofthemonth.com/Obiang/Mar2005ObiangEN.htm

Answer: Oil

ExxonMobil struck oil during 1996, which positively and rapidly changed the economy. 185,000 barrels per day were being produced during 2004.

Answer: The God of Equatorial Guinea

This was said during July of 2003. The radio also said he now enjoyed the right to "decide to kill without having to give anyone an account and without going to hell".

Answer: Democratic Party

The Democratic Party is in fact the only political party in Equatorial Guinea, and was established by Teodoro on October 11th, 1987.

Answer: 97%

According to opposition groups and human rights groups, the elections aren't free and fair. This percentage is pretty much the general percentage he won during presidential elections and he maintained power because of the alleged rigging.