In the midst of the pre-election period, political tensions are escalating and insecurity is becoming a growing concern in our already fractured country. The situation is so worrying that our institutions and our national cohesion seem to be crumbling, thus endangering the Republic itself.
At the heart of this unsustainable national malaise are the incendiary and insane speeches made by certain officials and supporters, who spread hatred, insults and threats with incredible violence, in order to impose a single and unjust thought. These speeches seek to eliminate any dissenting opinion through invective and slander, without the authorities responsible for maintaining public order intervening. This reprehensible tolerance gives the impression that there is impunity for those who consider themselves partisans, including within the services supposed to enforce the law and the republican order.
It is in this tense climate, where the law of the strongest prevails and where terror reigns supreme, that tragic events occur, throwing opprobrium on our institutions and terror on the Nation. The kidnapping and murder of Cherubin Okende, a former minister and deputy, is a striking example of this reality. When his abduction was announced, some even quipped about it, while the authorities seemed to ignore calls for help from his family and loved ones. This new failure casts an additional shadow on the situation. Who benefits from this heinous crime? What are the motivations of the executioners? These are questions that need to be answered by investigators, as one man perished in circumstances that are still unclear.
Beyond the emotion aroused by this tragedy, the Nation must come together to confront the incendiary and anti-republican discourse that undermines the foundations of our social cohesion in the name of preserving or conquering power. In these times of peril, when insecurity is spreading in our neighborhoods and affecting even the most protected environments, it is time to show responsibility.
We cannot abandon our country through our indifference and our personal ambitions, thus leaving it at the mercy of those who take advantage of the pre-campaign to sow chaos.
The gravity of the situation must inspire all those in charge, at all levels, to adopt an attitude of dignity and moderation. Beyond political struggles and differences of opinion, a sense of national unity and moderation must guide our behavior.
In this climate of political confusion and intolerance that grips our country, where no one is safe, I appeal to the President of the Republic. As the guarantor of national cohesion by his constitutional oath (article 74 of the Constitution), he must become aware of his responsibility in these troubled times and assume his role to ease tensions, dissipate misunderstandings and bring the Nation together