Diaspora members fear pope’s visit could bolster Equatorial Guinea leader’s rule
AP News
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People who have fled abuses in Equatorial Guinea and are taking refuge elsewhere fear that the pope's visit to the Central African country could launder the image of Africa's longest-serving ruler.
They accuse the president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power for 47 years, of using the pope's visit to legitimize his rule.
Experts and people who have fled say the local church is connected with the Obiang government.
According to Vatican data, about 75% of Equatorial Guinea’s population is Catholic.
It is one of the highest percentages in Africa.
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