**Gabon: The unexpected convergence of political adversaries against the transitional military authorities**
Gabon’s political landscape has experienced an unprecedented upheaval since the coup d’état of August 30, 2023, which led to the ouster of President Ali Bongo Ondimba. In a context of widespread discontent and institutional uncertainties, four emblematic figures of the Gabonese opposition joined forces at a joint press conference to denounce what they consider to be authoritarian excesses of the transitional authorities. Albert Ondo Ossa, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Pierre-Claver Maganga Moussavou and Ali Akbar Onanga Y’Obégué, although adversaries on many political issues in the past, are today defending a common front against the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI).
### An unprecedented rallying dynamic
Historic in its scale and nature, this convergence of oppositions presents a new angle of analysis on the Gabonese political scene. The transition, tainted by the lingering shadow of the previous regime, seems to crystallize common feelings beyond the personal and partisan rivalries that these leaders have experienced. By denouncing the unfulfilled commitments of the military authorities, these politicians illustrate the complex issues of legitimacy in a landscape where institutional trust is at its lowest.
This unexpected solidarity could be interpreted as a first sign of instability within the new authorities. Faced with a disenchanted population and disappointed expectations, the emblematic figures of the opposition are seeking to channel citizen frustrations towards a series of clear demands: the withdrawal of the military from the political scene, the return to the 1991 Constitution, and a transparent electoral reform, among others.
### A citizen claim against military authoritarianism
The demands they put forward are not only a criticism of the terms of this transition, they are structured around a vision of a more participatory and inclusive democracy. By calling for a “democratic and peaceful” popular mobilization, the leaders want to remind that the Gabonese people must not be spectators of the transition, but actors in their future.
An analysis of previous transitions in Africa shows that these have often been marked by a step backwards on democratic advances. The recent examples of Mali or Burkina Faso, where the military justified their seizure of power by the fight against terrorism or the inefficiency of civilian governments, highlight the high risks of an authoritarian drift under the cover of patriotic necessity. The question that then arises is the capacity of the new Gabonese authorities to fulfill their promises to return the management of the country to civilians.
### An unprecedented framework for electoral reflection
The issue of the Electoral Code, which will soon be submitted to the Transitional Parliament, deserves special attention. The need for a complete overhaul of this framework aimed at ensuring free and transparent elections is a sine qua non condition to avoid recurrences of violence and electoral fraud. Data reveal that since 1990, Gabon has experienced a series of elections marked by serious irregularities that have exacerbated political tensions. The people’s distrust of institutions could be appeased by a reform that ensures better representation.
It is also essential to examine the impact of these demands on the entire transition process. While supporters of the military transition could undertake cosmetic reforms to ease tensions, the risk of increased polarization remains. The return to a more transparent and inclusive system of governance can only be achieved within a framework of dialogue and mutual concessions where the old political class must also commit to evolving.
### Conclusion: The quest for a shared future
The speech of the press conference of these leaders is striking for its palpable desire for change and collective responsibility. This moment of unity, although temporary, could define a turning point for Gabon, where the traditional bipartition between the opposition and the government could give way to a more constructive debate touching on the fundamentals of governance. By strengthening citizen engagement and calling for institutional reforms, these statesmen, despite their past, are today shaping a dynamic that could redefine the Gabon of tomorrow, affirming that democracy is not negotiable, it is conquered.
The road is still long, but the desire to come together clearly opens a door to a way out of the crisis that could strengthen the foundations of a democratic, stable and inclusive state. In short, the future of Gabon depends on the ability of its leaders to move forward together, towards a shared objective: that of a country where the voice of the people is truly heard and respected.