Gabonese Political Leaders Condemn Offensive Remarks Against President
In a joint press conference held in Libreville on August 12, prominent political figures from Gabon strongly denounced recent inflammatory statements made by some members of the Gabonese diaspora based in Europe. These remarks, targeting President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, his family, and the First Lady, Zita Oligui Nguema, have sparked widespread outrage among local leaders.
Call for Dignified Political Discourse
David Mbadinga, President of the Union des Patriotes Gabonais Loyalistes (UPGL) and spokesperson for the collective, emphasized the need for civilized political debate. Addressing reporters, he stated, « One can challenge a President without insulting his mother », highlighting the importance of maintaining respect in public discourse.
Mbadinga was joined by Florentin Moussavou of the Conscience et Action Citoyenne (CAC) party and Paskhal Nkoulou of the Bloc Démocratique Populaire (BDP), who echoed his concerns. They stressed that personal attacks and derogatory language not only discredit the individuals involved but also tarnish the nation’s image.
Viral Criticism Sparks Controversy
The collective’s statement comes in response to a series of widely shared social media videos featuring Gabonese activist Landry Mbeng, commonly known as « Lanlaire, » based in Switzerland. In these clips, Mbeng launched harsh criticisms against the President, his mother, and the First Lady, drawing sharp condemnation from political leaders for crossing the line into personal insults.
Appeal for National Unity in August
The leaders further urged restraint, particularly during August, a month traditionally dedicated to celebrating national pride, peace, and unity. They called on all Gabonese citizens to uphold the values of respect and cohesion, even amid political disagreements. According to the collective, political opposition should remain firm but never resort to demeaning or disrespectful tactics that undermine the country’s dignity.
A Stand for Respectful Governance
The statement serves as a reminder that while political dissent is a cornerstone of democracy, it must never devolve into personal attacks. The leaders emphasized that the Gabonese people deserve a political climate where debate thrives without sacrificing basic human decency or the nation’s reputation.
