Malabo

Pope Leo XIV visited a prison in Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, drawing renewed attention to longstanding allegations of human rights abuses and recent controversy over deported migrants sent there from the United States.

The visit to the prison in Bata follows the tradition of Pope Francis, who regularly visited prisons to offer hope to inmates while highlighting issues such as overcrowding, judicial injustice and prison conditions. Leo’s stop marked the final full day of his 11-day African tour, which also included Algeria, Angola and Cameroon.

Earlier in the day, the pope celebrated Mass in Mongomo before travelling to Bata. He was also scheduled to pray at a memorial for victims of the 2021 explosion at a military barracks in the city, a tragedy widely linked to negligence.

Human Rights Concerns

International organisations have repeatedly criticised Equatorial Guinea’s justice system and detention facilities. The United Nations welcomed the country’s abolition of the death penalty in 2022, but concerns over prison conditions and judicial independence remain.

The US State Department in a previous report cited allegations including arbitrary arrests, political detentions, torture, dangerous prison conditions and lack of an independent judiciary.

Amnesty International also said it remains seriously concerned about the human rights situation, citing harassment of activists, use of torture and compromised fair trial protections.

The country is ruled by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power since 1979 and has faced repeated accusations of authoritarianism and corruption.

Focus on US Migrant Deportations

Equatorial Guinea is among several African nations reportedly paid under agreements with the previous Donald Trump administration to accept migrants deported from the US who were not citizens of those countries. Reports indicate at least 29 such migrants were sent there.

Some remain in detention in Malabo with restricted access to legal and medical assistance, while others were allegedly returned to countries where they could face persecution. The government has denied rights abuses and has not publicly addressed all allegations.

Pope Leo XIV, who is American-born, has previously criticised hardline deportation policies, calling them “extremely disrespectful.”

Appeal From Rights Groups

Ahead of the prison visit, 70 human rights organisations issued an open letter urging the pope to speak out against migrant deportations and encourage African nations not to participate in practices they say violate international protections for refugees.

Among the signatories was EG Justice, which has repeatedly raised concerns about political prisoners in the country. Its founder Tutu Alicante urged the pope to use his moral influence to advocate for prison reform, sentence reviews and stronger judicial fairness.

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Activists said recent improvements to some detention centres appeared temporary and argued the real test would be whether humane treatment and access to medical care continue after the papal visit ends.