In response to rising verbal abuse from certain Gabonese activists abroad, civil society leader Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso has drawn a clear line between free speech and harmful rhetoric. Speaking at a press conference in Libreville, he condemned recent attacks targeting President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, his wife, and mother, while urging authorities to take judicial action rather than issuing temporary condemnations.
The intensity of public debate should not cross into personal attacks. This is the stance Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso has taken, criticizing an activist known by the pseudonym Lanlaire for crossing the line between political dissent and outright insults against the head of state and his family.
Free speech does not justify all forms of expression
For Foumboula Libeka Makosso, civic engagement must never be confused with insults. Reflecting on his own activism, he emphasizes that constructive advocacy—through legal challenges or public statements—should never involve personal attacks. “Disagreement does not mean insulting your opponent,” he stated.
He stressed that restoring constitutional order requires strict adherence to legal norms. While the transitional period aimed to reconcile with diaspora figures, he warned that this should not be misinterpreted as permanent immunity from consequences. “Insults, defamation, and outrage are crimes—not manifestations of free speech,” he declared. While criticizing governance remains valid, those who abuse this right must face judicial accountability.
Questioning the government’s ties with divisive activists
Foumboula Libeka Makosso did not solely target the activists. He also questioned the authorities’ alleged connections with certain diaspora figures whose notoriety stems from relentless attacks on the government. He cited instances of invitations to Gabon, appearances on state media, and interactions during presidential trips—claims that some may need further verification.
He also recounted an unverified claim from an activist who allegedly received €150,000 (nearly 100 million FCFA) from a presidential delegation member to publicly attack the head of state. At this stage, the allegation remains unconfirmed and requires legal scrutiny.
Ending the culture of impunity
Foumboula Libeka Makosso urged the presidency and institutions to clarify their stance on these alliances. “The President and his team must distance themselves from activists whose only contribution is outrage and insults,” he argued, stressing that this is vital for the Republic’s image. Without legal consequences, such behavior risks fostering a sense of impunity, making outbursts a perceived pathway to visibility—or even political influence.
His critique applies to both the speakers and the institutions responsible for enforcing the law. Public condemnation without legal action, when warranted, could normalize the very behaviors being denounced.
Legal action over normalization of insults
Foumboula Libeka Makosso called for “legal proceedings against those responsible for these excesses.” Failure to act, he warned, could lead the public to believe that certain activists operate under protection. He also appealed to internet users to stop amplifying abusive content by unsubscribing, avoiding shares, and reporting offensive accounts.
Beyond the immediate controversy, his stance raises broader questions about Gabon’s public discourse. While free speech is essential to democracy, he insists that political opposition should not devolve into personal humiliation. Criticism is a democratic right; legal consequences are for the courts.
