This is not a debate!: Is the minister threatening citizens voting 'No' in the referendum?

The recent publication of a press release from the Ministry of the Interior and Security, signed by Hermann Immonagault, has sparked a real uproar on social networks. The message, intended to calm tempers and preserve public order in the pre-election period, is perceived by part of the population as a direct threat against those who are considering voting "No" in the referendum.

The press release in question

In this press release , the minister warns against so-called "small groups" and "speeches" seeking to sow trouble in the preparation of the elections. However, on the networks, many people see them only as disguised intimidation against citizens who question the established order.

It is particularly on the X platform (formerly Twitter) that the Gabonese people are expressing their discontent, highlighting the absence of real disruptions and the impression that this press release actually aims to repress divergent opinions. Here are some reactions:

• Cosa76 clearly expresses his incomprehension in the face of these threats, while pointing out the non-existence of destabilizing groups: Link to tweet

🔴 Welcome to Dictatorship 2.0 #Gabon
Hermann Immongault is now threatening people who are promoting the NO vote in the referendum, using fallacious reasons...! @ClementBoursin Gabon has not changed at all, just a passing of the baton, Omar Bongo's friends are back. pic.twitter.com/o591feqoeO

— John LIBRE 🇬🇦🇨🇵💥🎯🎤 (@Cosa76) October 1, 2024

• The Gabonese Union also denounces this strategy, stressing that the threat seems to be directed towards those who would dare to vote "No": Link to tweet

#POLITICS - Referendum: warning from the Ministry of the Interior → https://t.co/nCNswTp7Di #Gabon #LunionGA

— L'Union - Sonapresse (@lunionga) October 1, 2024

• Serge Mick recalls the ambiguity of the press release and the lack of clarity on who would really be targeted: Link to tweet

It was like the era of Ali BONGO, huh! Be careful! Be careful! You need a balancing act during this type of outing...

— Serge Mikala (@1234_sergemick) September 30, 2024

The question of continuity

In addition to the reactions to the press release, a recurring criticism on social networks concerns the continuity of the men in power in the new institutions.

Indeed, several influential figures under the Ali Bongo regime, such as Rossatanga , secretary general of the presidency, or Epouta , director of protocol, continue to play leading roles under the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI).

The Gabonese are therefore asking themselves: is there really a break with the old regime or is it simply a change of facade?

There are others like Duro and Kalil Ryan who are playing extra time.
So where is the break?
Abyss you!

— Claire Kodia (@ClaireKodiOff) October 1, 2024

A stifled debate?

The ministry’s statement thus raises more questions than it answers. As Gabon prepares to hold a referendum that is crucial to its constitutional future, do citizens deserve to be intimidated for their opinions? Is the interior minister directly threatening those who express dissent, or are these fears unfounded? One thing is certain: the debate is far from over.