Equatorial Guinea to Move Capital from Malabo to Mainland City of Ciudad de la Paz

Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has officially approved plans to relocate the country’s capital from Malabo on Bioko Island to Ciudad de la Paz on the mainland.

The decision was confirmed by the state-run Information and Press Office of Equatorial Guinea, which said President Obiang signed the relocation decree on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the presence of senior government officials.

Ciudad de la Paz, meaning City of Peace, is located in Djibloho Province. The move is intended to improve accessibility to government institutions and address logistical and security challenges linked to Malabo’s island location.

According to the Information and Press Office, the relocation is also a strategic security measure. The government noted that past attacks against the country were launched from abroad using maritime routes, making the mainland a safer option for the seat of government.

In addition, authorities say the shift will help Equatorial Guinea move away from colonial-era structures that no longer support the nation’s modernization efforts.

Local media reports indicate that the transfer of all administrative and government services to Ciudad de la Paz is expected to be completed within one year.