Marcel Libama: The union activist and defender of democracy in Gabon
Marcel Libama, an emblematic figure of Gabonese trade unionism, has been an essential critical voice for years, denouncing both the excesses of the current power and the ambiguities of institutional reforms. An influential trade unionist in the education sector, he has established himself as one of the fierce defenders of workers' rights, while refusing to dissociate his trade union commitment from the fight for democracy in Gabon. Today, he finds himself at a crossroads between trade union activism and political positioning.
Marcel Libama: a figure of unionism
Known for his outspokenness and ability to galvanize crowds, Marcel Libama is often described as a “coconut shaker,” an image that reflects his combative temperament when it comes to government authorities. For several years, he has been one of the leading voices of Conasysed (National Convention of Education Sector Unions), Gabon’s teachers’ union. His fight to improve teachers’ working conditions and access to quality education has made him a respected figure, but also feared by the government. In 2015, Jeune Afrique already described Marcel Libama as a tenacious activist, capable of mobilizing unions against decisions deemed unfair by the government. At that time, he fiercely opposed education sector reforms that, according to him, did not take into account the realities on the ground. His criticism, sometimes very strong, regularly led to clashes with the Gabonese authorities.
Defender of democracy in a context of reforms
Beyond his union commitment, Marcel Libama has taken an important place in the national debate on democracy. While Gabon is in the midst of a political transition, particularly with discussions on a new constitution, Libama has taken the front line to defend what he sees as the country's democratic achievements. According to him, the reforms proposed by the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) must be rigorously examined to avoid any authoritarian drift. In this context, he denounced what he calls a "swindle by the PDG (Gabonese Democratic Party), believing that the referendum planned to approve these reforms does not respect democratic standards. Libama expressed his fears that this popular consultation is only a smokescreen aimed at legitimizing a political process already decided in advance.
The fight against disappearances and intimidation
One of the recent events that has put Marcel Libama in the spotlight is the worrying disappearance of two education union members. Libama and his fellow unionists immediately reacted by denouncing the systematic repression they are subjected to. These disappearances, which occurred in a climate of tension, have revived debates on the methods of management of the power in place and the protection of the rights of activists. In March 2024, during an interview relayed by RFI, Libama expressed his anger at the intimidation and acts of harassment against unionists. He recalled that, despite the attempts at repression, he does not intend to weaken in his fight for social justice and democracy in Gabon. For him, the disappearance of his comrades is a direct attack on the union movement, a clear threat aimed at discouraging any form of protest.
Refusal of social dialogue: the red line
In 2019, Marcel Libama boycotted the social dialogue proposed by the government, arguing that it was an attempt to divide the trade union movement and avoid real reforms. Lalibreville reported his remarks at the time , in which he insisted on the need not to confuse trade unionism with politics. For Libama, the proposed dialogue was only a maneuver to defuse demands, without addressing the underlying problems faced by teachers and public sector workers. This intransigent position earned him criticism, even within civil society, with some believing that he could have obtained concessions by participating in this dialogue. However, for Libama, agreeing to sit at the government table under these conditions amounted to legitimizing a biased process, with no guarantees of concrete results.
A life marked by prohibitions
In January 2020, Marcel Libama was prevented from leaving Gabon , a measure that appears to be part of a series of intimidations against him. He was trying to travel abroad to participate in an international seminar. This event sparked a wave of support from trade unions and human rights organizations, denouncing an arbitrary restriction on his freedom of movement. This type of incident illustrates the constant pressure that union leaders face in Gabon. Yet, despite these pitfalls, Libama continues to fight, convinced that change in Gabon requires active and uncompromising mobilization of civil society.
What future for Marcel Libama?
Marcel Libama remains an emblematic figure in the Gabonese political and trade union landscape. His career, marked by his uncompromising commitment to workers' rights and democracy, makes him one of the most prominent actors in Gabon in transition. While he must still navigate between threats of repression and internal divisions within the movements he defends, it is undeniable that Libama will continue to weigh in the political debates to come. In these times of change, as Gabon attempts to redefine its institutions and democracy, Marcel Libama's voice, that of a convinced trade unionist and a defender of rights, resonates strongly in the ranks of those who hope for an authentic political renewal.
