Chido Nwangwu @Chido247
Only two days ago, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Pope Leo XIV conveyed a frank and forthright message of accountability, support for the poor and underscored his opposition to corruption. He was concluding his remarkable 11-day, 4-nation visit to diverse parts of the African continent.
I think that appropriately, this Pope punctured the arrogance of “authoritarian leaders” and shattered the mythologies, ancient impositions of imperious, tin-god swagger and murderous grandiosity of contemporary men and women of influence!
He spoke with stoic engagement and seasoned clarity. He spoke directly to the leaders and citizens of the Central African country of Equatorial Guinea at a Mass which attracted an estimated 100,000 people, including the controversial, notorious and corrupt leader of the country, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
Teodoro holds the dubious designation as the world’s longest-ruling president. Nguema Mbasogo has been the President of Equatorial Guinea since August 3, 1979.
Let’s note with total respect and obeisance to his preeminent position as His Excellency, The All-Conquering Tiger of the Equator, this 3rd week of April 2026, he has been in power for almost 47 years, having taken control in a military coup against his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema. It’s almost half a century, approaching 50 donkey years of squandermania and brigandage! Africa, our dear Africa. Africa, the playground of the colonial and post-colonial masters. Africa, the land of the newly found rare minerals. But every African who can read or listen should read Water Rodney’s masterpiece book, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.
Equatorial Guinea has a land that, literally, grows oil and gas, and assorted foods. Simply, they have wasted what is clearly an “abundance” of riches.
I looked at one of the entries on Equatorial Guinea in the Britannica, it stated: The political changes that have taken place under Obiang have done little to uplift the Equatorial Guinean population, which has continued to suffer poverty and inadequate access to basic services. Significant oil and gas deposits within the country’s maritime borders were discovered in the 1990s, and the ensuing years of extraction have generated considerable revenue, but the majority of the proceeds have been funneled to Obiang and the rest of the ruling elite, who have lived extravagant lifestyles while the rest of the population has experienced poverty. Over the years, Obiang and others in his circle—in particular, one of his sons, Teodoro (“Teodorin”) Nguema Obiang Mangue—have been targeted in investigations launched in other countries regarding allegations of embezzlement, money laundering and misuse of public funds. Obiang’s human rights record is also poor, as he has brutally suppressed any dissent. Reports of restricted personal freedoms, harassment of opposition members, unlawful arrests, forced disappearances, and torture have been routine.”
Leo XIV, the first American to be elected Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, believes and hopes for better days ahead for Equatorial Guinea, Africa and the world. At this Wednesday’s Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the town of Mongomo, he called upon and challenged the people and leaders of Equatorial Guinea “to serve the common good rather than private interests, bridging the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged.”
He added that ”The destiny of humanity risks being tragically compromised without a change of direction in the assumption of political responsibility and without respect for institutions and international agreements.” 
As a priest with empowerment disposition and a sunny outlook to life and living, he reminded the country and our peripatetic continent of Africa, and the rest of the world that “The Creator has endowed you with great natural wealth. I urge you to work together so that it may be a blessing for all.” He reiterated his evangelistic opposition to authoritarian leaders by closing with the emphatic message: “May there be greater room for freedom and may the dignity of the human person always be safeguarded.”
•Dr. Chido Nwangwu is Founder & Publisher of Houston-based USAfrica multimedia networks, first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper published on the internet USAfricaonline.com; and recipient of several journalism and public policy awards. He has been profiled by the CNN International for his pioneering works on multimedia/news/public policy projects for Africans and Americans. He worked previously for the Nigerian Television Authority, Platform magazine, and the Daily Times of Nigeria; and has served as adviser on Africa business to Houston’s former Mayor Brown. USAfrica established in May 1992. @Chido247
