Aminata Ondo's comments on dual nationals: On Twitter a statement as shocking as it is dangerous?

Gabon's Twitter is rocked by the controversial remarks of Aminata Ondo, a well-known Gabonese trade unionist, member of the Transition Committee and close to Brice Oligui, who recently declared in a press conference that a "normal Gabonese" must be born to a Gabonese father and mother, "and even grandparents." According to her, this should be a fundamental criterion for occupying the presidency of the Republic. But beyond that, it is the unprecedented division that is astounding citizens. These statements immediately caused an outcry, both on social networks and in the streets of the country.

A statement that fans the flames of division

Ondo's remarks are particularly troubling in a context where Gabon is trying to rebuild itself after the coup, waiting for a constitution that is slow to see the light of day and promises of significant reforms under the current regime that are not coming. By calling Gabonese people of mixed blood or dual nationality "abnormal Gabonese" , she fuels a dangerous discourse that threatens the social fabric and national unity. According to her, only those born to two Gabonese parents, with grandparents who are themselves Gabonese, can aspire to positions of high responsibility, in particular the presidency.

This vision of Gabonese “purity” is shocking in a country where diversity is a cultural and historical reality. Many voices have been raised to denounce the danger of this discourse. On social networks, the reactions are immediate: many Gabonese criticize an approach that divides rather than unites, and above all, that worries.

Outraged reactions on social networks

On the internet, the Gabonese people have rightly become inflamed. The internet user @MwaneBubal, summarizing the general indignation, mocks the unionist's remarks by ironizing about the meaning of the Gabonese flag. For his part, @RLaymie241 responds to the most doubtful with a screenshot of the original article . Several users, like @Jamelnkebassani , talk about opening Pandora's box. @NNJM94 , @giovanikang , @Soupa_Sewedo , have been very openly indignant. In the comments, one internet user even went so far as to compare these remarks to hate speech that preceded tragedies in other countries, recalling in particular the role of radio in the Rwandan genocide, drawing attention to the destructive potential of such remarks if they are not quickly condemned...

When you eat too much money from the treasury, you become crazy, eh...
Ah Aminata. There is no coffee with milk in your family?!?! https://t.co/BuKYr8ITdc

— Leprofesseurfed (@leprofesseurfed) October 2, 2024

Unacceptable rhetoric

This statement is all the more surprising since Aminata Ondo has long distinguished herself as a voice of the trade union struggle in Gabon . Known for her positions in favor of workers, she led social movements in the country and was seen as a defender of the weakest. How can a figure of this caliber today resort to such retrograde and discriminatory remarks? Some believe that her recent involvement with the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) and therefore with President Oligui, has led her into power logics that seek to exclude political dissidents or those perceived as foreigners.

The reasons and dangers of such discourse

Beyond the outrage it has provoked, this statement raises important questions. It attacks not only the identity of dual-national Gabonese, but also national cohesion. Gabon, like many Central African countries, is a multicultural and multi-ethnic country, where the borders drawn by colonizers have often ignored family and ethnic ties that cross several countries. By questioning the legitimacy of those with foreign origins, Aminata Ondo only serves to divide a society already marked by social and political tensions.

In times of political transition, this type of rhetoric can be extremely destructive. This type of exclusionary discourse could deepen social fractures instead of repairing them. Worse still, it could inspire other leaders or groups to adopt even more radical attitudes.

But then, what are the reasons for such a statement? It seems clear: Article 53 of the draft constitution, where Ms. Ondo draws her xenophobia, says exactly the same thing. Only Gabonese men with Gabonese fathers and mothers, married to a Gabonese woman with Gabonese fathers and mothers, will be able to run for President. But we also find other crazy criteria such as knowledge of local languages, continuous residence for 3 years on Gabonese territory, or an age limit between 35 and 70 years. And who is the only Gabonese politician to meet all these criteria? Unsurprisingly, the current president of the transition, author of this draft constitution and good comrade of Ms. Ondo: Brice Oligui Nguema.

The need for a strong response

It is imperative that such statements are quickly denounced by the authorities and influential figures in Gabonese society. The Ministry of the Interior has already issued a warning against speeches inciting hatred and division, but this seems insufficient to contain the growing indignation.

While the Minister of the Interior was protesting against "hateful remarks" during the campaign, just yesterday, what does he think of this kind of statement?

For many, Gabonese identity cannot be reduced to a simple question of biological affiliation. By rejecting dual nationals, Aminata Ondo shows a worrying disregard for the values ​​of inclusion and diversity . She also shows that she endorses the confiscation of power for a single man, and a single ethnic group. If Gabon truly wants to rebuild itself on new foundations after the difficult years it has experienced, it must imperatively rely on all its citizens, without distinction of origin. This is non-negotiable. And we will ensure it.