MALABO: Police in Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday arrested one opposition politician and dispersed some 200 demonstrators accusing President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo's regime of "maltreatment" ahead of legislative elections scheduled later this month.
Gathering in the capital Malabo, demonstrators unfurled banners reading: "Obiang, take your family and leave," and "France, United States, help us get rid of this regime that maltreats us."
An AFP reporter said police quickly dispersed the crowd, which had planned to march past the French and American embassies, by blocking off streets and intersections.
"When we arrived at the square, military and police outnumbered us. There were armoured vehicles and helicopters have been hovering in the air since last night," opposition Popular Union party leader Daniel Dario Martinez Ayecaba said.
He also said the party's secretary general, Jeronimo Ndong Mesi, had been arrested.
According to several sources, six people belonging to the opposition have been arrested since Monday.
"We still have no news of them," he said.
Speaking to university professors in a meeting broadcast on national television on Monday, President Obiang questioned the point of a demonstration in the run-up to the May 26 elections.
"Teachers shouldn't incite students to oppose the system. We're developing our country," he said.
He added that "those who want to organise a demonstration against the regime need to make sure it is in accordance with the law and if they don't conform with the law, justice can intervene to punish them."
The president also warned against intervention from other countries.
"We're a peaceful nation and we do not want (others) involved in our affairs. The ambassadors of France and United States should refrain from meddling in this country's affairs. We're an independent country and we don't take lessons from anyone," he said.
Since 1979, President Obiang has ruled the small west-African nation with an iron fist and has often been criticised for not respecting human rights.
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