The Republic of Anobon: The Silent and Unknown Struggle for the Independence of a Paradise Island in Africa

Over the centuries, this remote corner has witnessed systematic discrimination, natural disasters and brutal exploitation of its resources. But behind every tragedy lies a silent struggle for independence and survival.

Although colonialism believed this Annobon It was not inhabited at the time of its discovery by the Portuguese, but later archaeological discoveries indicate otherwise. Spanish researchers in the 1960s found evidence of a prehistoric culture on the island, challenging colonial narratives and confirming Anobon's rich ancestral history.

In 1886, the Spanish colonial authority replaced the local government of Anobon, subjecting its inhabitants to decades of oppression and exploitation. The island became another piece of the colonial puzzle in the Gulf of GuineaLosing its independence and seeing its resources plundered by foreign interests.

In 1973 and 1974, Annobon was rocked by two devastating epidemics: cholera and measles, respectively. The lack of medical care and assistance from the government of Equatorial Guinea has left residents to their fate, claiming the lives of hundreds of people, mostly children and the elderly.

Desperate for help, eight men from Anobon in 1975 set sail on the Kayoko.KINGADJA“, calling for help from the African coast. Their brave seven-day journey drew the world's attention to the humanitarian crisis on the island, but also exposed the indifference and brutality of the Somali government. Equatorial Guinea.

The repression suffered by the government of Equatorial Guinea, headed by Don Francisco Macias Nguema In 1976 it led to the forced deportation of all Annobon men to Fernando Po Islandtoday BiokoThey were enslaved and subjected to inhumane conditions on cocoa and coffee plantations. Anobon was left devastated, its men deported and its women raped by militiamen, all from Equatorial Guinea's ethnically ruled tribe.

Later, in an act of environmental treason, the government of Equatorial Guinea, headed by the current dictator, President Don Teodoro Obiang Nguema MbasogoAnobon Island signed contracts to turn Anobon Island into a toxic and nuclear waste dump in the 1980s. These agreements put the island's health and environment at risk, regardless of the consequences for its residents.

The movement toward Anobon independence has crystallized in recent events, with the Anobon people demanding to exercise their right to self-determination. Through successive General Assemblies of the Anubonis People in 2021The foundations were laid for a unilateral declaration of independence.

Despite attempts to dialogue with the government Equatorial Guinea, The lack of response led to the preparation of concrete proposals to establish an independent government in Annobon. This included establishing a constitutional committee and drafting a constitution for the future Annobon Republic.

The process towards Anobon independence reflects the determination and resistance of the Anobon people in their search for freedom and self-determination. As the island moves toward an independent future, it faces challenges, but also opportunities to build a more just and prosperous society.

However, this path to independence is not without challenges. Contemporary challenges. The island continues to suffer under the current dictatorship in Equatorial Guinea, where human rights are violated and freedom of expression is restricted. Political repression and corruption continue as obstacles to Annobon's full liberation.

Anobon is with him Rich history and natural beautyis preparing to assert its unique identity on the world stage as a sovereign and free nation, ready to face the challenges of the future with the courage and determination of its historical background.