Paulette Missambo: a key figure in the Gabonese transition
Since her departure from the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) fourteen years ago, Paulette Missambo has established herself as a key figure in the opposition to the defunct regime of Omar Bongo. Recently appointed president of the transitional Senate, she opens a new page in her political commitment. But does this mean that she has given up on her dream of becoming President of the Republic?
In her inaugural speech to the Senate, Paulette Missambo expresses all the emotion that invades her at this particular moment. She thinks first of all those who fought for freedom and who lost their lives along the way. She then thinks of the Gabonese people, who welcomed the change brought by the transition. The responsibility that weighs on his shoulders to make this transition period a success is immense.
Despite the promises of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema regarding the organization of free elections, the question of the date worries some. For Paulette Missambo, the important thing is to put in place the conditions necessary for transparent and credible elections. She therefore suggests holding a national dialogue in order to define these conditions, thus leaving the possibility of a truth and reconciliation commission to shed light on the tragic events which followed the 2016 presidential election.
The question of Paulette Missambo’s role in this transition also arises. According to the transition charter, no leader of the transition can stand as a candidate in the presidential election which will end the transition. Paulette Missambo says she is not obsessed with becoming president and is committed to contributing to the establishment of the conditions necessary for free elections. She believes that the time has come given the fights against truncated elections in the past. She also expresses her confidence in General Oligui Nguema, affirming that he is ready to make room for the politicians and the active forces of the nation.
The national dialogue project is mentioned, and Paulette Missambo underlines the importance of debating the question of the Constitution and the problems linked to the electoral process. She recalls having presented a memorandum to the outgoing government, but that it was not taken into account.
Regarding the duration of the transition, Paulette Missambo believes that it should not equal the duration of a presidential mandate. It is up to the national dialogue and the president of the transition to decide, seeking the best solution.
Finally, the question of the French military presence in Gabon is raised. Paulette Missambo underlines that the situation in Gabon is not comparable to that of countries where French soldiers have been expelled, which are facing security crises linked to terrorism. She recalls that defense agreements are the responsibility of the Head of State and recommends that France listen to the African people and their aspirations for a better future.
With Paulette Missambo at the head of the transitional Senate, Gabon is entering a new political era. His commitment to fair and transparent elections as well as his desire to participate in the construction of a national dialogue reflect his desire to move the country towards a better future. The path towards the end of the transition and the presidential election remains to be defined, but with actors like Paulette Missambo, the hope for a better Gabon remains.