"A Deadly Constitution" according to Bilie By Nze: Will Oligui miss a second date with history?
Gabonese political news is in turmoil following the sensational statement of Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, former Prime Minister and influential figure on the national political scene. In a recent interview, he described the draft of a new Constitution as "deadly" , urging the authorities to "rectify the situation" and "withdraw this project" for the good of the country.
"There is still time to rectify the situation and withdraw this deadly draft Constitution."
— Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze
A call for reason and responsibility
Bilie By Nze expresses deep concerns about the implications of the constitutional project on Gabonese democracy. According to him, certain provisions could compromise democratic achievements, weaken institutions and further divide society.
Oligui Nguema faces a historic choice
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the transitional president, is now the center of attention. Will he listen to the voice of the people and the political class by revising the draft Constitution? Or will he maintain his current position, thus risking "missing a second meeting with history" ?
This situation recalls other crucial moments when leaders had the opportunity to make a positive mark on Gabon's history, but when controversial decisions led to tensions and divisions.
The Ivorian precedent and the lessons to be learned
It is instructive to look at the case of Côte d'Ivoire and the policy of "Ivoirité" initiated in the 1990s. Under the presidency of General Robert Guéï, this notion was used to define Ivorian national identity in a restrictive manner. It led to the exclusion of Alassane Ouattara from the 2000 presidential election, on the pretext that he was not an "Ivorian by origin" because of the supposed foreign nationality of his parents.
This policy of Ivoirité has sown the seeds of division and exacerbated ethnic and regional tensions in Côte d'Ivoire. The consequences have been dramatic:
- Political instability : The exclusion of some candidates called into question the legitimacy of the electoral process.
- Armed conflicts : Tensions have degenerated into armed conflicts, plunging the country into a deep crisis.
- Social fragmentation : Ivorian society has become divided, affecting national cohesion and economic development.
Alassane Ouattara's gesture: a fraternal warning
According to an article in Mondafrique , Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara recently sent one of his special advisers to Gabon to meet with General Oligui Nguema. The aim of this move would be to share the Ivorian experience and advise the Gabonese transition president on the risks associated with the adoption of a controversial Constitution. Ouattara would thus like to warn his Gabonese counterpart of the potential consequences of the implementation of exclusive or divisive constitutional provisions.
A controversial Constitution: the example of Article 53
The draft of the new Gabonese Constitution has attracted criticism, particularly regarding Article 53. This article sets out conditions for eligibility for the presidency of the Republic which, according to some analysts, would in fact exclude the majority of Gabonese people. By imposing restrictive criteria, only 6.27% of the population would be able to stand in the presidential elections.
The risks associated with such an arrangement are multiple:
- Democratic exclusion : A large part of the population would feel excluded from the political process, which could lead to frustration and a feeling of injustice.
- Extended application : Given the constitutional nature of this article, it could influence other laws and apply to other elective mandates, thus reinforcing the exclusion.
- Social tensions : As in Côte d'Ivoire, these measures could exacerbate social and regional divisions.
To better understand the implications of Article 53 and test your eligibility according to its criteria, we invite you to consult our dedicated page:
👉 Article 53 : Test your eligibility
A warning for Gabon
The Ivorian precedent highlights the dangers of an exclusionary constitution or electoral laws that do not reflect the full range of people's aspirations. It demonstrates the importance for leaders to be inclusive and ensure that fundamental texts strengthen national unity rather than weaken it.
General Oligui Nguema has the opportunity to show that he is a statesman who listens to his people and is concerned with building a harmonious future for all Gabonese.
The expectations of the population and the political class
Many citizens and political actors hope that General Oligui Nguema will demonstrate leadership by taking constructive criticism into account. An amendment to the draft Constitution to reflect the aspirations of the people would be a strong gesture, demonstrating a desire to build a united and democratic Gabon.
Oligui Nguema: Time for decision
General Oligui Nguema has a unique opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to the Gabonese people. By learning from the Ivorian precedent and listening to the concerns expressed by figures such as Bilie By Nze, he could strengthen his legitimacy and establish his name among leaders who care about the public interest.
Conversely, ignoring these calls could lead to a climate of mistrust and division, thus compromising the chances of success of the ongoing transition.
Gabon is at a critical juncture in its history. The choices made today will determine the face of the country for future generations. It is essential that Gabonese leaders prioritize dialogue, consultation, and inclusion to avoid the mistakes of the past and build a strong and united nation.
Sources:
- Gabon Media Time - Bilie By Nze : "There is still time to rectify the situation and withdraw this deadly draft Constitution "
- Mondafrique - Gabon : a tailor -made Constitution for Brice Oligui Nguema
- Le Monde - The notion of "Ivorianness ": genesis and instrumentalization
- RFI - Ivory Coast : "Ivorianness " , a notion that has plunged the country into crisis
- Gabon2025.com - Article 53 : Test your eligibility
Gabon2025.com resources to better understand the issues
At Gabon2025.com , we are committed to informing and raising awareness on the critical issues that shape the future of our country. We invite you to explore our sections to deepen your understanding of the subject:
- Constitutional News : Follow the latest news and analysis on the draft Constitution.
- Kongossa : Our page dedicated to the fight against fake news during the campaign.
- Draft Constitution : View the text of the draft Constitution and its main provisions.
- Article 53 : Test your eligibility : Understand the implications of this article and check if you are eligible.
Your voice matters: join the debate
We believe in the active participation of every citizen to build the Gabon of tomorrow. Here's how you can get involved:
- Have your say : Share your thoughts by commenting on this article or submitting your own contributions through our contribution form .
- Report fake news : Help us maintain reliable information by reporting fake news on our Kongossa page .
- Share the information : Share this article on social networks to raise awareness among as many people as possible about current issues.
This article is a publication of Gabon2025.com , your platform dedicated to reliable information and citizen participation during the referendum and election campaign. Join us to shape the future of Gabon together.
