1969 – Equatorial Guinea Joins the United Nations

On May 22, 1969, Equatorial Guinea officially became the 128th member of the United Nations. Having gained independence from Spain just a year prior, the country’s UN admission symbolized a broader wave of African nations asserting sovereignty and joining the global diplomatic community. Despite being one of Africa’s smallest nations, Equatorial Guinea\’s entry into the UN represented a defiance of colonial marginalization and an embrace of global citizenship. May 22 marked a strategic step toward international legitimacy and resource sovereignty, as the country sought control over its vast oil and natural gas reserves. This moment also brought global attention to the African Spanish-speaking diaspora, often overshadowed in Pan-African narratives. The date is a powerful reminder that every African nation, regardless of size, has the right to self-determination and a voice on the world stage. Equatorial Guinea’s UN membership remains a key milestone in Black international diplomacy.