The change of regime in Libreville offers hope to the families of the victims of the 2016 post-election crisis. For several years, these families have lived in pain, without ever obtaining justice or finding the bodies of the victims. But with the coming to power of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema following a coup d’état in 2023, hope is reborn.
Eliott, whose brother Ulrich was killed during the violence, still carries his brother’s photo in his living room. He believes in the new president’s promise to rebuild Gabon and provide justice to families. “We believe in him, we hope that he will take matters into his own hands so that all these families can finally receive justice. That’s all we are asking,” he says with hope.
Saint-Cyr, whose son Michel was found dead eleven days after his arrest, shares the same feeling of hope. “I think it’s time or never to put this issue on the table,” he said. “We remain hopeful and it’s one of the first things I thought of when I learned about the overthrow of power. Finally, we have people who will try!”
The relief is also shared by Jeanne Clarisse Dilaba, member of the Network of Human Rights Defenders in Central Africa. She stresses the importance of justice in this case and hopes that those responsible will be identified and prosecuted. Even though President Ali Bongo was forced to leave the country to seek treatment abroad, she stresses that justice must be done so that this incident is not forgotten.
The families plan to relaunch a collective to bring their cause to the president of the transition. They hope that those who had kept silent out of fear will now dare to demand the truth. The goal is to end impunity and allow these families to grieve with dignity.
In conclusion, the change of regime in Gabon offers a glimmer of hope for the families of the victims of the 2016 post-election crisis. These families have been waiting for years for justice to be served and those responsible to be prosecuted. With a new president advocating the overhaul of the country, they hope to finally get the truth and justice they deserve. The road will be long, but their determination is stronger than ever.