A Political Witch-hunt Witnessed in Gabon
According to France 24 News, the eldest son of the ousted President of Gabon, Ali Bongo, has been indicted. Noureddin Bongo Valentin has been charged with corruption, embezzlement of public funds, and money laundering. Former presidential spokesman Jessye Ella Ekogha and several cabinet members of the deposed Gabonese president’s cabinet were also indicted. The Libreville prosecutor said the company was jailed and charged on Tuesday with “high treason” and “active corruption”.
It is also noted that the former president’s wife, Sylvia Bongo Valentin, is having a hard time. According to the presidency, Sylvia is under house arrest “for her protection” whereas according to her lawyers, she is “arbitrarily detained”.However, with these developing events, a political witch hunt is currently happening in Gabon. Should we be worried about political persecution in this transitional period as the country waits to restore its democracy? After the coup, about which I doubt its legitimacy, the Gabon coup has been accompanied by exciting events. This includes the political witch hunt we are currently witnessing, and it could go further than that. In the story, here is what I said:
There are concerns over the coup leaders and what they intend to do in the transition period. The opposition has accused the military of not handing back power to the civilian government. This means that Gabon would become a military state.So, is the transitional government currently going through a consolidation of power? It seems likely that the government is doing it for its own protection and to suppress its opponents. This was seen before the transitional period was made public by sidelining the opposition party led by Ondo Ossa. The opposition has been bashing the transitional government, accusing it of sidelining the people who won the elections.The move to bring justice to the people of Gabon against the Bongo family is good. This will ensure that justice is served accordingly. However, this should not be used to provide a platform for political persecution against people opposing the government.It’s important to recognise that the allegations of corruption and embezzlement should be thoroughly investigated. However, the individuals charged should have the opportunity to defend themselves in a fair and transparent legal process. In cases of evidence of wrongdoing, the law should be addressed accordingly.The military government led by General Brice should remain vigilant about potential abuses of power. This is very important, especially during times of political transition or instability. Political witch hunts and arbitrary detentions can undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The international community should also take responsibility for both the international community and the citizens of Gabon to monitor the situation closely. It should also ensure that fundamental human rights and democratic values are respected.
