Equatorial Guinea asserts diplomatic immunity to safeguard a mansion in Paris

Equatorial Guinea asserts diplomatic immunity to safeguard a mansion in Paris

Equatorial Guinea and France are battling before the International Court of Justice over the fate of a lavish Paris mansion seized from Vice President Teodorín Obiang, with France calling it a corrupt asset and Equatorial Guinea insisting it’s a protected diplomatic property.

France and Equatorial Guinea presented oral arguments Tuesday before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a renewed dispute over a Paris mansion seized from Teodorín Obiang, the vice president of Equatorial Guinea and son of Africa’s longest-serving leader.

French authorities intend to sell the multimillion-euro property, located in the upscale 16th arrondissement of Paris, and return the proceeds to the people of Equatorial Guinea. The Central African nation argues the building is a diplomatic site and cannot be sold by France.

Obiang, the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo — who has ruled the country for more than four decades — was convicted of embezzlement by a French court in 2017. The court ordered the seizure of his assets, including the Paris property, which reportedly features a cinema, hammam, and marble-and-gold bathrooms.

The dispute dates back to 2016, when Equatorial Guinea first claimed the property had diplomatic status. The ICJ initially ruled in France’s favor, but the case resurfaced this year after French police reentered the building and changed the locks on several doors, prompting Equatorial Guinea to request emergency measures.

Sara Brimbeuf, head of advocacy for Grand Corruption and Illicit Financial Flows at Transparency International France, said that while France could, in theory, sell the property immediately, the process is stalled due to political sensitivities and the continued presence of diplomatic personnel inside the building.

Obiang has faced legal action in multiple countries. U.S. authorities previously seized a $30 million Malibu mansion, a Ferrari, and Michael Jackson memorabilia, including a diamond glove. Swiss officials confiscated 11 luxury vehicles from him in 2016, including Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Bentleys, and a Bugatti.