GABON braces itself for a pivotal moment as preparations for an Inclusive National Dialogue, scheduled from April 2 to 30, gain momentum. Thousands of individuals are converging in the capital, Libreville, and Akanda to participate in the dialogue, orchestrated by the government with the aim of steering the country back towards civilian governance.
Under the leadership of military ruler General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon has been navigating a path towards civilian rule, with a commitment from Nguema to relinquish power by August 2025. However, the composition and objectives of the upcoming dialogue have sparked controversy and scepticism among opposition parties and civil society groups.
Nguema has appointed 28 military officials, clerics, traditional leaders, and representatives from civil society and opposition factions to oversee the dialogue, with Jean-Patrick Iba-Iba, head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Libreville, presiding over the proceedings. While Gabon’s state TV asserts the participation of opposition and civil society members, critics argue that a majority of the approximately 600 delegates are supporters of Nguema, raising doubts about the dialogue’s inclusivity and transparency.
Judicael Obiang Meyong, leader of the Movement to Act for Gabon’s Freedom and Independence, expressed concerns over the inclusion of officials and leaders from previous unsuccessful dialogues, which were perceived as attempts to prolong the rule of Gabon’s first president, Omar Bongo Ondimba, and his family dynasty. The Bongo family’s reign, spanning over half a century, ended abruptly when President Ali Bongo was ousted by the military in August of the previous year.
Opposition voices advocate for a more grassroots approach to dialogue, emphasising the need for representation from diverse provinces and marginalised groups. However, the government asserts that over 50,000 suggestions were solicited from civilians, indicating broad-based participation in shaping the dialogue’s agenda.
Francis Edgar Simar Mba, a political science lecturer, acknowledges the dialogue’s significance as the most inclusive in Gabon’s history, noting the participation of exiled citizens and diaspora communities. He highlights the unprecedented representation of civil society groups and political parties, indicating a departure from past practices of exclusive invitations.
Despite the controversy surrounding the dialogue, Nguema affirms his commitment to respecting the decisions reached during the discussions. A decree signed by Nguema outlines the dialogue’s objectives, including the drafting of a new constitution and delineating the country’s political, economic, and social landscape post-transition.
As Gabon embarks on this critical juncture towards civilian rule, divergent opinions persist regarding the dialogue’s legitimacy and effectiveness. While some view it as a step towards genuine democratic reform, others remain sceptical, calling for greater transparency and inclusion in the transition process.