Independence Day of Equatorial Guinea — 12 October 🇬🇶
Today, 12 October, Equatorial Guinea marks Independence Day, its National Day. On this day in 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain.
WAELE AFRICA Foundation congratulates the government and people of Equatorial Guinea on this historic milestone. We wish you continued peace, unity and prosperity as you build the next chapter of your great nation.
A brief history
Equatorial Guinea is a country in West Africa made up of a mainland territory called Rio Muni, and five islands including Bioko, where the capital Malabo is located.
European contact began in 1471 with the arrival of Portuguese navigator Fernão do Pó, after whom the island of Bioko was first named Fernando Poo. The islands of Bioko and Annobón were colonized by Portugal shortly after.
In 1778, under the Treaty of El Pardo, Portugal ceded control of the region to Spain in exchange for land in South America. In 1900, it became a colony called Spanish Guinea. In 1959 the region was reorganized into two provinces of overseas Spain and in 1963, the two regions were joined, given a degree of autonomy and named Equatorial Guinea.
These changes did little to dampen the growing call for independence and in March 1968, under pressure from the United Nations, Spain announced it would grant independence. On 12 October 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained its independence with Francisco Macías Nguema becoming the first President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
Did you know?
Equatorial Guinea is the only independent nation in Africa where Spanish is an official language.
Equatorial Guinea's name indicates its location near both the Gulf of Guinea and the Equator, although no part of the country's territory lies directly on the Equator.
Today we honour the courage, resilience, culture and creativity of the people of Equatorial Guinea, and celebrate your journey toward peace, democracy and sustainable development.
Happy Independence Day, Equatorial Guinea!
#EquatorialGuinea #IndependenceDay #Africa
0 Comments