Wikipedia

Purificación Angue Ondo

Purificación Angue Ondo Avomo (born April 30, 1945) is a diplomat and former Minister of Women’s and Children’s Affairs from Equatorial Guinea. She has served as an ambassador to several countries, including Cameroon, Chad, the United States, and Spain. Dedicating her life to defending the rights of women and children, she has made a significant impact in policymaking and gender equality advocacy. She has had a "pivotal role in promoting the status of women within and beyond the frontiers of her country".[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Early Life and Education

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Purificación Angue Ondo was born on April 30, 1945, in Mongomo. She graduated as a State Certified Teacher from the Spanish Government in 1964, when Equatorial Guinea during the colonial period. On October 15, 1968, she was appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[2] [6]

Political Persecution and Exile

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Following Equatorial Guinea’s independence in 1968, Angue Ondo experienced intense political persecution under President Francisco Macías Nguema’s regime. Because of her education in prestigious institutions, her advocacy for women’s emancipation, and her relationships with people of European descent, she became a target of systemic discrimination. She faced multiple arrests, beginning on December 5, 1968, for her status as an educated, independent woman, rather than for any criminal act. She eventually fled to Gabon on December 30, 1973, with her six children to escape further persecution and lived in exile until 1980. During her time in Gabon, she taught Spanish at Collège Notre-Dame de Quaben in Libreville and Collège d'Enseignement Secondaire Sainte Thérèse in Angone-Oyem. With the regime change on August 3, 1979, she returned to Equatorial Guinea in 1980 and began working at the Ministry of Education before entering the political arena.[1][2][6]

Political career

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From 1981 to 1992, Angue Ondo held significant roles in the government, including Vice Minister and later Minister for Women’s and Children’s Affairs. She focused on promoting labor rights and gender equality, helping to establish policies that improved the welfare of women and children.[1] [2]

In 1990, she founded ABIFAGE, the Asociación de Bienestar Familiar de Guinea Ecuatorial, a non-governmental organization that supports family welfare. She collaborated with a Japanese NGO to establish schools in underserved areas, emphasizing education and community development.[2][7] [8]

Diplomatic career

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Cameroon and Chad (2000–2005)

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Angue Ondo served as the Ambassador to Cameroon and Chad, where she built strong diplomatic and cultural relationships. At the end of her mission in Cameroon, she was decorated as a Knight of the Order of Valour by the Cameroonian government.[3]

 
Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in US, Purificación Angue Ondo, Former US First lady, Michelle Obama and Former US President Barack Obama at the White House, Washington DC.
 
Ambassador Ondo and MPRI Vice President Col. Bill Clontz
 
Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea in US, Purificación Angue Ondo, Former US President George W. Bush, Washington DC
 
Foreign Minister Pastor Micha Ondo Bile and Ambassador Purificacion Angue Ondo outside USAID
 
Ambassador to the US, Purificacion Angue Ondo and Foreign Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Pastor Micha Ondo Bile
 
Ambassador to the United States Purificacion Angue Ondo and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson



United States, Mexico, and Panama (2006–2012)

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From 2006 to 2012, she served as Ambassador to the United States, with additional accreditation to Mexico and Panama. In Washington DC, she collaborated with Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, promoting the interests of Equatorial Guinea. [1] [9] [10] [5]


 
Ambassador of Guinea Ecuatorial in Spain, Purificación Angue Ondo, the Mayor of Majadahonda, Narciso de Foxá and the M ayor of Bata, Bonifacio Manga Obiang

  


Spain (2012–2021)

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In 2012, she became the first woman to be appointed as Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Spain. She presented her credentials to King Juan Carlos I on September 24, 2013, and later worked with King Felipe VI to strengthen bilateral relations. [11] [12] [13] [4] [14]

 
Presentation of Credentials to King Juan Carlos I at La Zarzuela Palace, Madrid 2013


Battle with Breast Cancer

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While serving as Ambassador to Cameroon and Chad, Angue Ondo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She underwent surgery and received extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in Madrid. Her strength and resilience during this difficult period are a testament to her commitment to her health and her ongoing advocacy for cancer awareness. She remains in contact with her medical team, Dr. José Luis Letamendia and Dr. Isabel de la Gándara, and follows their recommendations to maintain her health. [2] [15]

Awards and Recognitions

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• United Nations Population Award (1984)

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Awarded by the United Nations Population Award (UNPFA) for her contributions to women’s rights and family welfare. [1] [2]

•Knight of the Order of Valor (2005)

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Conferred by the Cameroonian government for her contributions to diplomacy. [3]

 
Honoring Purificación Angue Ondo, Named Dame of the Brotherhood of Knights of Don Quixote 2014

• Recognition from the Don Quixote Knights Brotherhood (2014)

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Honored as “Dame of the Honorable International Brotherhood of the Knights of Don Quixote” by the César Egido Serrano Foundation.[12]

 
Purificación Angue Ondo - DIPLOMACIA SIGLO XXI, Cover Feature, 2014. Diplomacia Nº 110 by Director: Santiago Velo de Antelo - Issuu





• Feature in Diplomacia Siglo XXI (2014)

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Her diplomatic accomplishments were featured on the cover of Diplomacia Siglo XX I, a publication by the Spanish School of Diplomacy.[7]

• Asturias Mundial Recognition

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Asturias Mundial highlighted her career as the first woman to be appointed as Ambassador to Spain, recognizing her role in promoting gender equality and diplomatic excellence.[4]

Legacy and Influence

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Purificación Angue Ondo’s dedication to women’s rights, education, and diplomacy has left an enduring legacy. Her work in establishing ABIFAGE and advocating for gender equality has inspired many, and her resilience in overcoming political and personal challenges continues to motivate future generations. She is regarded as a symbol of perseverance and leadership in Equatorial Guinea and beyond.


She remains a symbol of resilience and dedication, inspiring future generations to continue the work she began and is still recognized and honored by various communities and organizations for her contributions to social and diplomatic progress. Her influence remains significant, serving as a testament to her lifelong commitment to service and empowerment. [6][11][12] [15] [16] [17]

She remains a symbol of resilience and dedication, inspiring future generations to continue the work she began and is still recognized and honored by various communities and organizations for her contributions to social and diplomatic progress. Her influence remains significant, serving as a testament to her lifelong commitment to service and empowerment. [6][11][12] [15] [18] [19]

Personal life

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Angue Ondo is a mother of six and has an extensive family, including dozens of grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren spread across Chile, the United States, France, Switzerland, Spain, Ukraine, Australia, United Kingdom and Equatorial Guinea. She currently resides in Madrid, where she stays connected with her medical team and continues to inspire her family and community.[1][2]

References

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1.“The role of women.”

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The Worldfolio, September 19, 2012. Available at: The Worldfolio: Equatorial Guinea - Purificacion Angue Ondo, EG’s Ambassador to the US

2. “Purificación Angue Ondo.”

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El País, May 28, 1985. Available at: Purificación Angue Ondo | Última | EL PAÍS

3. "Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Yaoundé"

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Ambassades et Consulats à travers le monde. Available at:/www.Ambassade/18624/Guinee-Equatoriale-a-Yaounde

4. “Purificación Angue Ondo, New Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in Spain.”

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Asturias Mundial, August 5, 2013. Available at: Purificación Angue Ondo, nueva embajadora de Guinea Ecuatorial en España. Asturias Mundial

5. “DC Celebration of Women Diplomats”

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Women's Foreign Policy Group - Promoting Women's Leadership in International Affairs, June 7,2012. Available at: 2012-06-07 Celebration of Women Diplomats (DC)

6. "The future of Africa has a woman's name"

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El Mundo, August 15, 2014. Available at: El futuro de África tiene nombre de mujer | yodona | EL MUNDO

7. DIPLOMACIA SIGLO XXI, Cover Feature, 2014.

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Available at: Diplomacia Nº 110 by Director: Santiago Velo de Antelo - Issuu

8. "Ambassadors with a lot of tact"

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El Mundo, January 2, 2016. Available at: Embajadoras con mucha mano izquierda | yodona | EL MUNDO

9. "Equatorial Guinea"

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U.S. Department of State, January 1, 2012. Available at: Equatorial Guinea (01/01/12)

10. "Equatorial Guinea to Host Welcome Reception for New U.S. Ambassador"

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PR Newswire, August 3, 2012. Available at: Equatorial Guinea to Host Welcome Reception for New U.S. Ambassador

11. “Presentation of Credentials to King Juan Carlos I at La Zarzuela Palace, Madrid”

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Casa Real, September 24, 2013. Available at: HomeActividades y Agenda - Presentación de Cartas Credenciales

12. “Honoring Purificación Angue Ondo, Named Dame of the Brotherhood of Knights of Don Quijote”

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Cofradía de Don Quijote, June 2014. Available at: Purificación Angue Ondo embajadora de Guinea Ecuatorial en España Nombrada Dama de la Cofradia - cofradiadedonquijote

13. “The Ambassador Purificación Angue Ondo at the Premiere of Los últimos de Filipinas”

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PDGE Guinea Ecuatorial, November 30, 2016. Available at: La Embajadora Purificación Angue en el estreno de “Los últimos de Filipinas” en Madrid - Partido Democratico de Guinea Ecuatorial PDGE

14. "Guinea and Cameroon, interested in the management of Aguas de Valencia"

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La Razón, July 8, 2013. Available at: Guinea y Camerún, interesadas en la gestión de Aguas de Valencia

15. "Lesli's Pink Ribbon Breakfast"

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National Breast Cancer Foundation, October 2024. Available at: National Breast Cancer Foundation - Lesli Doyle

16. "Majadahonda signs a socio-sanitary collaboration agreement with the city of Bata"

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Capital Noreste. Available at: Majadahonda firma un acuerdo de colaboración socio-sanitario con la ciudad de Bata

17. "Women in the 22nd Century Conference"

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La Razón, April 6, 2020, Available at: Mujeres del Siglo XXI

18. "Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Washington"

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Embassies Worldwide. Available at: www.123embassy.com/Embassy/17743/Equatorial-Guinea-in-Washington



  1. ^ a b c d e f "The role of women". The WorldFolio. September 19, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Fernández Pallares, Pilar (May 28, 1985). "Purificación Angue Ondo" [Purificación Angue Ondo, Head of the Women's Promotion Agency of Equatorial Guinea invites Spanish women to get to know Equatoguinean women]. EL PAíS (in Spanish).
  3. ^ a b c Angue Ondo, Purificacion. "Ambassade de Guinee Equatoriale a Yaoundé". Ambassades et Consulats du Monde (in French).
  4. ^ a b c "Purificación Angue Ondo, Nueva Embajadora de Guinea Ecuatorial en España" [Purificación Angue Ondo, New Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea in Spain]. Asturias Mundial (in Spanish). August 5, 2013.
  5. ^ a b "DC Celebration of Women Diplomats". Women's Foreign Policy Group - Promoting Women in International Affairs. June 7, 2012.
  6. ^ a b c d "El futuro de África tiene nombre de mujer" [The future of Africa has a woman's name]. El Mundo (in Spanish and English). August 15, 2014.
  7. ^ a b Velo de Antelo, Director Santiago (May 2018). "Purificación Angue Ondo, Embajadora de Guinea Ecuatorial, país clave para entender el concepto universal de la Hispanidad" [Purificación Angue Ondo, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, a key country for understanding the universal concept of the Hispanic Heritage]. Diplomacia Siglo XXI (in Spanish). No. 110. ISSUU (published June 6, 2018). pp. 10–22.
  8. ^ González Manso, Teresa (January 2, 2016). "Embajadoras con mucha mano izquierda" [Ambassadors with a lot of tact]. El Mundo (in Spanish).
  9. ^ "Equatorial Guinea". U.S. Department of State. January 1, 2012.
  10. ^ "Equatorial Guinea to Host Welcome Reception for New U.S. Ambassador". PR Newswire. August 3, 2012.
  11. ^ a b c Palacio La Zarzuela Madrid, © Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos (September 24, 2013). "Presentation of Credentials". www.Casa Real.es.
  12. ^ a b c d Javier, Hernandez (June 19, 2014). "Reconocimiento a Purificación Ondo Angue, Embajadora de Guinea Ecuatorial en España, nombrada Dama de la Cofradia" [Honoring Purificación Angue Ondo, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Spain, named Dame of the Brotherhood]. Oficina de Información y Prensa de Guinea Ecuatorial. Muy Honorable Cofradia Internacional de Caballeros de Don Quijote - Very Honorable International Brotherhood of the Knights of Don Quijote.
  13. ^ "La Embajadora Purificación Angue en el estreno de "Los últimos de Filipinas" en Madrid" [The Ambassador Purificación Angue Ondo at the Premiere of Los últimos de Filipinas]. PDGE. November 30, 2016.
  14. ^ A., V . (July 8, 2013). "Guinea y Camerún, interesadas en la gestión de Aguas de Valencia" [Guinea and Cameroon, interested in the management of Aguas de Valencia]. Capital Noreste (in Spanish).
  15. ^ a b c Doyle, Lesli (October 2024). "Lesli's Pink Ribbon Breakfast". National Breast Cancer Foundation.
  16. ^ Bueno, Chema (May 23, 2019). "Majadahonda firma un acuerdo de colaboración socio-sanitario con la ciudad de Bata" [Majadahona signs a socio-sanitary collaboration agreement with the city of Bata]. Capital Noreste.
  17. ^ Zhiyan, Nasrin (April 6, 2020). "Mujeres del Siglo XXI" [Women in the 22nd Century Conference]. La Razón (in Spanish).
  18. ^ Bueno, Chema (May 23, 2019). "Majadahonda firma un acuerdo de colaboración socio-sanitario con la ciudad de Bata" [Majadahona signs a socio-sanitary collaboration agreement with the city of Bata]. Capital Noreste.
  19. ^ Zhiyan, Nasrin (April 6, 2020). "Mujeres del Siglo XXI" [Women in the 22nd Century Conference]. La Razón (in Spanish).
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