In late May of this year, a large number of explosive containers were discovered in the harbor near a small port town in Equatorial Guinea. Residents reported hearing loud blasts, and the shockwave was felt up to five miles away, causing significant concern for the safety of the residents and for the nation at large. This event captured a lot of attention, especially as more details emerged concerning the sheer size of what happened. Now, nearly four months after the incident, officials in Equatorial Guinea are still grappling with its far-reaching effects.
What Happened in Equatorial Guinea
On May 26th, 2020, Equatorial Guinea’s navy detected several containers of explosives in the harbor of the small port town of Melaku. Residents of the nearby Kogo neighborhood reported hearing loud blasts and feeling the shockwave even up to five miles away. In the ensuing hours, the authorities rushed to evacuate citizens and secure the area, lest an even greater disaster befall them.
Upon further inspection of the explosive containers, officials found that they contained weapons-grade explosives which had been rigged with a timer. The explosives, it was discovered, weighed in at over 9000 kilograms in total. Preliminary investigations revealed that the containers had been loaded from factories abroad and shipped to Equatorial Guinea, where they were set to be transported on to other nations.
What’s Being Done in the Aftermath
The Equatorial Guinean government declared an immediate state of emergency and is currently dedicating all of its resources to ensure the safety of its citizens. In recent weeks, fire brigades and explosive demolition teams have been dispatched to the site to defuse the remaining explosives. Furthermore, the government has released a list of items that citizens should avoid such as any containers or packages that are left unattended and foreign ships that arrive without proper documentation.
In addition, the government has announced its intention to hold those who facilitated the terrorist attack accountable. They are using all legal means available to investigate and prosecute whoever is found responsible and bring them to justice.
Security Concerns
The terrorist plot that Equatorial Guinea has recently averted is a stark reminder that the nation is not immune to the scourge of terrorism. Regardless of their systems of governance, or their access to border control, it is possible for states to become unwitting victims of terrorism and violent extremism. As a result, a key takeaway from this incident is the urgent need for Equatorial Guinea to invest more resources in its security infrastructure, especially in order to deter any future attacks and protect its citizens.
Though it lacks access to the type of surveillance technologies common in developed countries, Equatorial Guinea could invest in smaller-scale solutions such as installing CCTV cameras at airports and ports of entry, increasing border security, and improving local knowledge and intelligence of suspicious activities. The nation should also seek to bolster its network of international partners, trainers and tye experts who can help it develop policies that can mitigate the risk of future acts of terror and improve national security.
In the face of a dangerous act of terror, Equatorial Guinea has taken quick action to evacuate citizens, secure the scene, and safely dispose of all the dangerous. Now, it must use this opportunity to invest in its security infrastructure, improve its policies, and strengthen its partnerships and collaborations with other nations. By following these steps, Equatorial Guinea can ensure that its citizens remain safe from harm and that no similar attack ever takes place again.