Equatorial Guinea Moves Its Capital from Malabo to Ciudad de la Paz

On January 3, 2026, Equatorial Guinea officially relocated its national capital from Malabo to Ciudad de la Paz following a presidential decree signed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Malabo-the former capital-sits on Bioko Island, while Ciudad de la Paz is located on the mainland in Djibloho Province (Río Muni region), marking a major administrative shift from an island-based capital to an inland seat of government. The move formalized a long-running national plan that has been under development since 2008, with Ciudad de la Paz built as a purpose-planned administrative center. Reported specifications for the new capital include an urban footprint of about 81.5 km² and a relatively small reported resident population (around 2,000 as of 2022), reflecting its role as a developing government hub rather than a mature metropolitan center at the time of designation. The declaration reshapes how national institutions are geographically organized and affects government operations, infrastructure planning, and international diplomatic logistics tied to the country’s seat of power.