Pope Leo denounces mineral colonisation during Africa tour in Equatorial Guinea

Pope Leo arrived in Equatorial Guinea on April 21, marking the final leg of his Africa tour.

During his visit, he denounced the "colonisation" of Africa's minerals and criticised the "lust for power" in the country.

The pontiff's arrival was met with adoring crowds in Malabo, the administrative capital, where he was the first pope to visit since 1982.

He travelled in an open-sided Popemobile to the presidential palace, thrilling the largely Catholic population.

Equatorial Guinea is governed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Africa's longest-serving leader since 1979.

The country has significant oil wealth, with oil accounting for nearly half of its GDP and over 90% of exports.

Despite this wealth, more than half of the nearly 2 million population live in poverty.

Human rights groups and court cases in Europe have documented how oil revenues have enriched the ruling family rather than the broader population.

Pope Leo's visit highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and authoritarianism in Equatorial Guinea.

His remarks on mineral exploitation and governance underscore the challenges faced by resource-rich African nations.

The visit is significant as it focuses attention on a smaller, politically complex African country often overlooked by global religious leaders.

It also follows the Pope's decision to skip some of Africa's largest Catholic nations, which has caused mixed reactions among African Catholics.

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