The central African nation has asked the court to issue urgent measures to prevent the disposal of the property, which is estimated to be worth more than $100 million. The mansion was confiscated after Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, was found guilty in France of misusing public funds and laundering money.

Authorities in Equatorial Guinea maintain that the building has diplomatic status and argue that its sale would violate international conventions protecting diplomatic properties. French officials, however, contend that the residence was purchased using money siphoned from state coffers.

--ChannelAfrica--