Flag raising in schools in Gabon: A landmark event approved by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions
In Gabon, a new event has entered the country’s primary, middle and high schools: the flag raising ceremony. This initiative was set up by the military of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) led by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. From now on, every Monday morning, students are invited to participate in this patriotic ceremony before going to class.
This decision was taken with the aim of strengthening the feeling of national belonging among young Gabonese people. By aligning schoolchildren by class around the flag, this ceremony symbolizes unity and pride in belonging to the Gabonese nation. It is also an opportunity for young people to sing the national anthem and become familiar with the symbols of their country.
The ritual of raising the flag is already well oiled and takes place in a solemn atmosphere. The children feel invested in an important mission and are enthusiastic about the idea of participating in it. Schools are required to respect this decision and checks will be carried out by the army to ensure its implementation.
This ceremony arouses contrasting reactions among the Gabonese population. Some see it as an excellent way to promote patriotic values and good citizenship among younger generations. They believe that this initiative will contribute to forging a strong national identity and strengthening the feeling of belonging to the Gabonese community.
However, others express reservations about the politicization of education that could result from this decision. They emphasize that schools should remain neutral and apolitical places, dedicated above all to the learning and education of students. They also fear that this event will become mandatory and that some students, for various reasons, will feel excluded or marginalized.
Interestingly, flag raising in schools is not a new practice in some countries. Many countries, notably the United States, have had this ceremony for a long time and view it as a way to cultivate a sense of national pride among young people.
Ultimately, the flag-raising ceremony in schools in Gabon sparks a lively debate among the population. While some see this decision as a way to strengthen patriotism and national unity, others highlight the risks of politicization and division. It is important to find a balance between promoting patriotic values and respecting the apolitical nature of education.