Equatorial Guinea leader shuffles Cabinet post-coup bid

By Fabien Essiane

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea’s long-serving president appointed a new Cabinet on Wednesday, over a month after the government said it foiled an attempted coup, according to state television TVGE.

The Central African country’s new government consists of 28 members, 25 ministers, and three deputy prime ministers, including close relatives of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima, one of the president’s sons, was appointed minister of mines and hydrocarbons, while Antonio Obiang Mba Nguema Mikue, the president's brother, was named minister of presidential security.

Following the coup attempt, mercenaries from several African countries were arrested near the border with Cameroon.

Cameroon local media also reported that Gen. Mahamat Kodo Bani -- a Chadian national and alleged leader of the coup plot -- was arrested in Douala, Cameroon.

Only two women were named to the new Cabinet, the first in social affairs, Maria Consuelo Ngue Oyana and the other in fisheries and water resources, Adoracion Salas Chonco.

The president has been in power since 1979. His son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, has been vice president of the oil-rich nation since 2012.

Critics say his administration is marred by corruption and embezzlement.  

* Felix Nkambeh Tih contributed to this story from Ankara.