Pope Leo criticises Equatorial Guinea prisons as he winds up Africa tour
Summary
Pope Leo criticized the poor conditions of prisons in Equatorial Guinea during his visit to the country, which has a history of human rights abuses and corruption. He urged the government to use its natural wealth to benefit all people and called for greater freedom and dignity for citizens.Key Facts
- Pope Leo led a Mass attended by about 100,000 people, including Equatorial Guinea's president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
- He condemned the poor hygiene and treatment of prisoners in Equatorial Guinea's jails, especially the infamous Bata prison.
- Amnesty International reports that prisoners in Bata are often beaten and some disappear without contact with their families.
- Equatorial Guinea is rich in oil but has high poverty and inequality, with much of the wealth benefiting a small elite.
- The president's son, also vice-president, was fined in France for using public funds for luxury living, with assets seized.
- The government controls all broadcast media, limiting political opposition and press freedom.
- The Pope called on people to focus on the common good and warned that the country's future depends on its citizens' choices.
- Pope Leo has also criticized other African “tyrants” and foreign exploitation of Africa's resources during his tour.
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