News Release: The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation Says “Equatorial Guinea Debunks The International Media And Human Rights Organizations For Discounting Its Strides In Building Human Rights”

In a move to combat the negative image of Equatorial Guinea, President Teodoro Obiang’s embrace of human rights seeks to put an end to the destructive press associated with his country. From August 20- 24, 2012, Equatorial Guinea will play host to the Leon H. Sullivan Summit, which is expected to bring more than 4000 delegates and nearly 25 Heads of State from across Africa and Latin America.

Clearly misunderstood by western countries and human rights organizations, President Obiang as host of the 9th Leon H. Sullivan Summit will showcase to the international community the advancement Equatorial Guinea has made in human development and the human rights arena, which is a key focus of the Leon H. Sullivan Summit.

The Summit Chairperson, former President of Ghana H.E. John Kufuor stated “This Summit is like no other in Africa. It is specifically addressing issues in Human Rights and addressing concerns that African nations are facing in their own accord. I commend President Obiang in holding this summit, as it will mark a precedent in fighting Human Rights abuses, which have marred Africa’s image.”

As with previous Sullivan Summits, the 9th Leon H. Sullivan Summit focuses on the accomplishments and actualizations of  the continent’s development objectives, as they pertain to Africa today and Africa tomorrow. With support from African and Latin American countries, the 9th Summit, through the theme of “Africa Rising”, will address critical issues in human rights as they relate to food security, human security, freedom of press, education, civil society development, gender empowerment, innovation and youth development, and building economies of opportunity.

The host site, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, will stand to challenge the international media, global human rights organizations and Western Nations who have consistently been critical of President Obiang, in the manner that he governs his country.

The Summit will stand as an open ground for all international criticizers to visit Equatorial Guinea and witness themselves the advancements made by President Obiang, in his country and for Africa during his tenure as the African Union Chairman.

“We are looking at where Africa is today, and where it will be 100 years from now, through a regional lens. As former President of the first African nation to receive independence, it is incumbent upon me to ensure the sanctity, security and the fundamental human right of my countrymen and of my fellow Africans,” said former Ghanaian President and Summit Chairman H.E. John Kufuor.

“I invite the international media to this event, and am positive this Summit will change the perceptions the international community has had on Africa and particularly on Equatorial Guinea,” said Summit Chairperson H.E. John Kufuor.

Aly Ramji

Director of Business, Africa

(p) (202) 736-2239 (

aramji@thesullivanfoundation.org

Adel Nur

Vice President of External Affairs

(p) (202) 736-2239

anur@thesullivanfoundation.org