Equatorial Guinea Launches ICJ Case Against France Over Paris Mansion

Equatorial Guinea has filed a new case against France at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), intensifying a prolonged dispute over a luxury Paris mansion confiscated by French authorities after Vice President Teodorin Obiang's corruption conviction. The West African nation seeks emergency orders to prevent France from selling the property located on Avenue Foch, which features extravagant amenities such as a cinema and gold water taps. French courts sentenced Obiang, the president's eldest son, to a suspended prison term and hefty fines for embezzlement and money laundering, resulting in asset seizures including the mansion valued over 100 million euros. Equatorial Guinea contends the building serves as its embassy and accuses France of violating the Vienna Convention by changing the locks and restricting access. However, the ICJ previously ruled in favor of France, determining the mansion was Obiang's private residence rather than a diplomatic mission, noting the country already maintained an embassy in Paris. The latest complaint demands France provide immediate and unrestricted access to the mansion, underscoring ongoing tensions between the two nations over the disputed property.