Pro Democracy groups in Angola sent an open letter to the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the national team of the world champion and Lionel Messi's Charitable Foundation, which called for the cancellation of the friendly competition planned for November in Luanda, Angola. The competition is part of the 50th birthday of the African country.
The organizations criticize the importance of the competition amid a political and social crisis aggravated by police repression of protests in July. The protests started after increasing the fuel price, which resulted in looting and collisions. According to data released by local organizations, at least 30 people died, more than 270 were injured and 1,515 were arrested – the most violent episode in decades.
In the letter, the activists accuse the Angolan government of promoting “systematic repression” and demand a declaration of the AFA and Messi. “Rejecting participation in this competition would be a noble gesture of international solidarity and respect for human rights,” they say.
Their criticism also extends to the use of public resources. “Although public resources are channeled in high -level sporting events, thousands of children and adults are confronted with chronic hunger, severe anemia and widespread food insecurity,” they turn into the jaw.
Although it is one of the most important oil producers in Africa, Angola is confronted with high levels of inequality. According to the World Bank, almost a third of the approximately 38 million inhabitants live in poverty. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that 22.5% of the population suffers from malnutrition.
Activists also claim that only a minority related to the MPLA, the party that the country ruled since Portugal's independence in 1975, benefits from economic opportunities.
So far, AFA has not commented on the request to cancel the friendly.