The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations brought a lot of international media attention, yet for some it was a different story.
For most people in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations was a story of plenty amidst poverty.
The matches brought international media attention and millions of dollars in sporting and health infrastructure.
Yet it did little to change perceptions of a rich elite disconnected from the majority, those who have benefited little from the region’s oil wealth.
In Gabon, President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s home village of Bongoville now has an Olympic village.
The Libreville government provided little scrutiny as the cost of associated infrastructure projects rose from an initial 140bn CFA francs ($280m) to 400bn.
In Equatorial Guinea, the government is talking about financing a domestic football league and importing Europe-based players with salaries of €3,000 ($3,927) per month.
Also Read:
– Football in Africa: More than just a game
– 2012 African Cup of Nations: Zambia’s Afcon surprise
– Unexpected final for 2012 African Cup of Nations/Afcon
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