Justino Obama Nve
At the European World Publishing publishing house in Vienna, the book 'Spain in the Heart of Africa' has been published in both Spanish and English. Its author, Justino Obama Nve, is a prominent physician and politician from Equatorial Guinea. The book explores the history and complex, often painfully distorted relationship between Spain and its former colony. It brings together the author’s memories, reflections and observations, giving the work the character of a physician’s memoirs.
This is a book worth reading, particularly for Spaniards, but also for those who have little or no particular interest in Equatorial Guinea or Africa. By telling the story of his own country, the author manages to reveal a great deal about Spain as well. This is hardly surprising, given that Equatorial Guinea was once part of Spain and that Justino Obama Nve was born during the period of Spanish colonial rule. He was educated by Spanish teachers at primary school in Santa Isabel, now known as Malabo.
The author’s perspective on the events and historical experiences shared by our two countries is striking, as is the depth of his analysis and the conclusions he draws from it. At times, the book resembles a medical diagnosis, written in a simple and accessible language. While speaking openly about the contemporary problems facing his own country, Justino Obama also offers a diagnosis of Spanish society, which he believes is going through a profound crisis.
The physician from Equatorial Guinea examines and compares the colonial systems established by Britain, France, Portugal and Spain, reaching disappointing conclusions about the failures of Spanish foreign policy and their underlying causes. Spain failed to consolidate its position in post-colonial Africa in the way France and Portugal did, thereby losing access to the markets and natural resources of this wealthy continent.
According to the author, Equatorial Guinea was less fortunate than its neighbours. It became a Spanish colony and, in his view, adopted some of the worst practices and traditions of its colonisers.
Despite what former Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos once described as the “schizophrenia” characterising relations between Equatorial Guinea and Spain, the author remains convinced that the situation is not beyond repair. What is needed, he argues, is to move beyond the ambitions of particular interests and listen to ordinary people who remain connected by a common language and shared cultural values.
Justino Obama Nve’s book cannot be ignored. Spain in the Heart of Africa is undoubtedly an important cultural event, not only for Equatorial Guinea but also for Spain. These memoirs of a physician will prompt many readers to reflect on the past and present. It is an event of continental significance. The colonial past has not been forgotten, and former colonial powers continue, at times, to seek ways of restoring their previous influence in Africa.