Gabon’s football authorities are under scrutiny for alleged failure to protect young victims of sexual abuse dating back to the early 1990s.
Over 30 witnesses spoke to BBC Africa Eye, revealing a decades-long network of abuse throughout Gabonese football.
One victim described being assaulted and threatened into silence at an Under-17 football camp.
Despite multiple attempts to alert authorities over the years, it wasn’t until The Guardian reported the abuse in December 2021 that four coaches were arrested, with three remaining in prison.
At the center of the allegations is Patrick Assoumou Eyi, known as “Capello,” former head coach of Gabon’s national youth teams. FIFA’s independent ethics committee initiated an investigation in December 2021, suspending Capello.
However, concerns arose about conflicts of interest within the investigation.
Questions also surround Fegafoot Chief Pierre-Alain Mounguengui’s knowledge and actions.
FIFA’s child safeguarding policy faced criticism for not suspending him during investigations. It wasn’t until May 2022 that FIFA formally suspended Capello and other coaches.
The allegations have cast doubt on Gabonese football leadership’s commitment to addressing abuse.
Victims fear that children remain at risk, and justice and reform are needed urgently.