Barcelona striker Lionel Messi accused by activists of showing ‘enthusiastic support’ for central African country that failed to halt ritual murder of children.
Ali Bongo was elected president of Gabon in 2009, bringing about rioting and opposition with allegations of fraud. Bongo succeeded his father Omar, who stayed in power for 42 years until his death.
Thor Halvorssen, president of the US-based Human Rights Foundation told The Guardian: “In providing PR services to Gabon’s Bongo family, Lionel Messi has seriously undermined the credibility of his own charitable foundation.”