Title: “General Oligui Nguema speaks on the transition in Gabon: Trust or distrust?”
Introduction :
Since the August 30 coup in Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema has been installed at the head of the transition with the objective of putting the country back on track and restoring constitutional order. In a recent interview with RFI, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, president of the RPM and one of the main leaders of the opposition platform Alternance 2023, shares his state of mind and expresses his expectations regarding this period of transition.
A confident mindset:
Despite initial doubts about the motivations of the military during the coup, Alexandre Barro Chambrier says he is now confident about the intervention of the armed forces. According to him, this intervention avoided a bloodbath and removed all legitimacy from the power in place. For him, it is therefore preferable to trust General Oligui Nguema to carry out the transition.
The need for democracy and transparency:
While expressing his confidence, Alexandre Barro Chambrier recalls that the opposition wants above all democracy and transparency for Gabon. He emphasizes that the transition should not result in a move from a civilian dictatorship to a military dictatorship. He is optimistic about the open personality of General Oligui Nguema, but remains vigilant about the application of his promises.
The question of alternation and recycling:
One of the opposition’s concerns concerns the possibility of General Oligui Nguema running in the next presidential election. According to Alexandre Barro Chambrier, it is necessary to review this point in the transition charter, in order to preserve democratic alternation. Furthermore, he insists on the fact that the opposition will not accept a recycling of the former leaders of the power in place, demanding a break in the management of the State.
The representation of the opposition in the transitional government:
Faced with the absence of members of Alternance 2023 in the transitional government, Alexandre Barro Chambrier recalls that other personalities not affiliated with the opposition are also absent. However, he asserts that the opposition will make its voice heard by any means necessary and that participants at the parliamentary level will be able to contribute to the transition.
Conclusion :
In this interview, Alexandre Barro Chambrier expresses his confidence in General Oligui Nguema and underlines the importance of a democratic and transparent transition in Gabon. While expressing his concerns regarding the alternation and recycling of former leaders, he remains open to collaboration with the transitional government and is determined to make the voice of the opposition heard. Gabon is thus entering a crucial period where the management of the transition will be decisive for the future of the country.