Argentina's encounter with Annobon's "prime minister," urging for aid in Buenos Aires
Small African Island of Annobon Pleads for Argentina's Support in Seeking Independence
Rumors circulating around the remote island of Annobon, governed by Equatorial Guinea, suggested annexation. However, it was later confirmed that the island's prime minister, Orlando Cartagena Lagar, had traveled to Argentina to plead for support in the island's quest for independence. The island, located approximately 600 kilometers off the African continent, is under siege by Equatorial Guinea's army and is reportedly used as an electronic waste dump.
In what he described as a "historic" tour, Cartagena met with Argentine politicians, historians, and academics to discuss human rights violations and raise awareness of the island's plight. The Argentine government was informed about the visit and all the meetings that took place.
One of Cartagena's significant meetings was with the Circle of Legislators, which included Alberto Aseff, leader of the Unir party, and deputies, Fabio Quetglas of the Radical Civic Union and Maximiliano Ferraro of the Civic Coalition. The discussions focused on the island's humanitarian situation, as Annobon lacks electricity, clean water, and faces significant environmental issues due to alleged toxic waste dumping.
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The delegation also met with other Argentine politicians, including Buenos Aires provincial legislator Romina Braga and the former Venezuelan ambassador, Elisa Trotta.
The discussions pushed for international recognition of the independence declaration signed in 2022 and aimed to advance towards autonomy and freedom from dictatorial control by Equatorial Guinea. The Republic of Annobon was reportedly admitted as a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) in May 2024.
Cartagena also sent a message to the Secretary General of the Presidency in Argentina, Karina Milei, requesting help for the people who are fighting for their freedom. So far, there has been no response from Milei.
The Argentine government is aware of the island's demands, but officials expressed no formal request has been made for support or the possibility of the island being an Argentine "associated state" due to their shared colonial past. The government also respects the sovereignty of Equatorial Guinea, a country governed by military dictator Teodoro Obiang since 1979.
Overall, the independence movement for Annobon is ongoing, with efforts to secure international recognition and support, particularly from Argentina. The movement faces significant environmental challenges and human rights abuses, highlighting the need for sustained international pressure and support.
- "The Circle of Legislators in Argentina has shown interest in the Annobon independence movement, with discussions focusing on finding alternatives within international law to help achieve self-governance, not annexation."
- "In the realm of general news and politics, the Annobon independence struggle has gained attention, with the Island's delegation meeting various Argentine politicians and organizations, including the Unir party and the Radical Civic Union."
- "In the complex web of war-and-conflicts, migration, and policy-and-legislation, the small island of Annobon has pleaded for Argentina's support, seeking international recognition and aid in their quest for independence."
