Equatorial Guinea Refused To Vacate Paris Embassy
Diplomats remain inside a confiscated mansion in Paris as French authorities attempt to finalize a property sale.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in International Relations
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Equatorial Guinea has refused to vacate its embassy at 42, Avenue Foch in Paris after French authorities listed the building for sale. Five diplomats continue to occupy the upper floors of the over 100-room property despite an official court-ordered eviction.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on French efforts to recover funds allegedly embezzled from the Equatorial Guinean public treasury. Equatorial Guinea has threatened retaliatory diplomatic measures against France, including the potential closure of a joint naval school.
French authorities formally listed the 100-room mansion for sale in June 2026, following its 2021 confiscation. The property served as the embassy for Equatorial Guinea since 2011.
The players
Teodorin Nguema Obiang Mangue
He is a high-ranking official whose conviction for money laundering triggered the seizure of the Paris property.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
He has served as the leader of Equatorial Guinea since 1979.
International Court of Justice
It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations that has ruled twice in favor of France regarding this property dispute.
The details
French authorities have already disabled security cameras and changed locks on parts of the embassy to enforce the sale, which is planned for completion by December 2026. The upper levels currently lack essential utilities like electricity and running water, yet five diplomats persist in their occupation of the premises.
Timeline
1979: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo began leading Equatorial Guinea.
2011: The building became the Equatorial Guinea embassy.
2021: The building was formally confiscated by French courts.
June 2026: French authorities formally listed the building for sale.
December 2026: Target deadline for French authorities to complete the sale.
Political Context
This standoff follows a pattern set by the conviction of Teodorin Nguema Obiang Mangue, which established the legal basis for the state to seize the building. Opposition officials maintain that the property remains protected by diplomatic immunity despite the finality of the French court rulings.
The ongoing diplomatic stalemate means that the status of the Avenue Foch property remains uncertain, potentially impacting future diplomatic relations between France and Equatorial Guinea. Residents in the 16th district of Paris may see continued police activity surrounding the building as authorities work to finalize the sale.
The takeaway
The dispute highlights the limits of diplomatic immunity when faced with domestic criminal convictions for financial corruption. International observers will be watching to see if Equatorial Guinea follows through on its threats of retaliation before the December 2026 sale deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing diplomatic tensions in the International Relations section.
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