Veron Mosengo-Omba: CAF’s Key Enforcer Breeds Abuse, Shatters Accountability

Rabat – Veron Mosengo-Omba, the Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has become one of the most controversial figures in African sport.

The top CAF broker stands accused of creating a climate of fear, silencing whistleblowers, breaking CAF’s own rules, and mishandling finances.

Yet he remains in charge despite these serious claims, wielding strong control over CAF’s daily operations. Many critics wonder how he still holds power even after reaching retirement age, facing repeated calls to step down, and now navigating claims of wild power abuse.

A 2024 internal CAF Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) report sharply criticized his leadership. It said Mosengo-Omba blocked oversight, violated internal regulations, and even suggested suspending him.

CAF leaders ignored the CRC’s advice to suspend him. Instead of losing influence, he tightened his grip. Since then, accusations of harassment, rule-breaking, and financial misconduct have only grown, raising tough questions about CAF’s governance and the willingness of its leadership to act.

Allegations of harassment, intimidation, and misconduct

Several current and former CAF staff describe Veron Mosengo-Omba’s leadership style as authoritarian and abusive. According to a Guardian investigation, he runs CAF like his own “proprietorship,” creating a culture of fear where staff are dismissed for speaking out.

One senior employee, speaking to The Guardian on the condition of anonymity, explained: “Anyone who dares to speak up – anyone who is part of the report – is terminated, without cause, without any due process.”

Officials who challenged him or tried to enforce governance standards were removed or forced out. Hannan Nur (head of compliance and risk), who wrote a critical report on Mosengo-Omba; Abiola Ijasanmi (Chief Operating Officer); Noumandiez Doue (Head of Refereeing); and Raul Chipenda (Development Director) have all been on the receiving end of Mosengo-Omba’s ruthless abuse of his influence within CAF’s corrupt power architecture. All lost their positions after raising concerns or being linked to whistleblowing.

Mosengo-Omba is also accused of weakening internal oversight. Staff say audit, compliance, and governance committees have been stripped of independence.

A former senior official said: “The independent committees are not independent… Veron always tries to manipulate the decision, and he’s always influencing them.”

Instead of tackling problems, his circle allegedly hunts “moles” and controls information to block leaks. This has left CAF’s checks and balances hollow, with employees saying they have nowhere to turn.

Favoritism and nepotism allegations

Mosengo-Omba faces repeated claims of favoritism and nepotism. Several CAF insiders say he has filled senior posts with close associates and compatriots from the Democratic Republic of Congo, often without