Title: Gabon: a controversial appointment of members of the transitional Parliament
Introduction :
In Gabon, the appointment of members of the transitional Parliament by President Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema provokes strong reactions. With a reduction in the number of deputies and senators, the choices made by the transitional president have generated frustration and questions. This article looks at the main points of tension and the reactions of the different political actors in the country.
The composition of the Transitional Parliament:
The list published by the transitional president reveals a predominance of the ruling party, the CEO. The National Assembly will be chaired by Jean-François Ndongou, CEO executive, while the Senate will be chaired by opponent Paulette Missambo. This control of the fallen party over members of Parliament has sparked criticism, notably from Clay Martial Obame Akue, representative of the Coalition of Gabonese Republicans (CGR), who denounces the exclusion of his coalition. The opposition parties also denounce the fact that the former candidates for the presidential election were not fully taken into account, thus going against the promises of the transitional president.
Reactions from civil society:
Lionel Engonga, founder of the NGO SOS Prisonniers, expresses his astonishment at the persistent presence of the CEO in Parliament, given the criticism of his management. However, he says he is honored by his appointment. Abel Mbombe Nzondou, another candidate in the presidential election, regrets that the transitional president did not keep his word by integrating the former candidates into the legislative process. Yvon Michel Ngoma, also a candidate in the presidential election, emphasizes that not all political actors can become parliamentarians, but calls for more transparency in the selection process.
Promotion of parity:
A positive development noted in the composition of the Transitional Parliament is the increase in the number of women parliamentarians, from 15 to 24%. This progress is welcomed by Pepecy Ogouliguendé, emblematic figure of the associative movement in Gabon and member of the NGO Malachie.
Conclusion :
The appointments of members of the transitional Parliament in Gabon have sparked heated controversy. The predominance of the ruling party and the exclusion of certain political actors are the subject of criticism, calling into question the transition president’s promise to involve all political actors. However, the increase in the number of women parliamentarians constitutes a significant step towards greater parity within legislative institutions. It remains to be seen how this new composition of the Transitional Parliament will influence the rest of political events in Gabon.