Gabon: Statement on behalf of Forces for Change by Jean Eyeghe Ndong, former Prime minister

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement on behalf of Forces for Change by Jean Eyeghe Ndong, former Prime minister of Gabon

Libreville, Gabon, August 25, 2011. Ladies and gentlemen, August 17 (1960), the date of the accession of our country to international sovereignty, is an important moment in the life of the nation, it should allow us to take stock of progress and to consider prospects of improving the well being of people and the country. But what do we see? In his address to the nation on August 16, on the occasion of Independence Day, Ali Bongo Ondimba merely served to the public his propaganda that is only matched by his desire to legitimize his power usurped on August 30, 2009. Ali Bongo Ondimba did not respond to the legitimate expectations of the people of Gabon. This situation is not strictly speaking a surprise because for two years, we continue to denounce the amateurism of a power-like dictatorship.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Unfortunately, we see Ali Bongo Ondimba remains true to himself, because his speech of August 16 is far from the realities faced by Gabonese. For example, for two years, the purchasing power of Gabonese has not improved, or their access to health care. Gabonese are still victims of untimely cuts of water and electricity, at best the nation's most vulnerable people face the acute shortage of drinking water.

Images Bongo family don't want you to see. 

People of Gabon living at a landfill in Libreville 

where they feed themselves also. (Photo: JP Rougou)

The recently announced measures for students have been good if they were part of a defined social policy of free education for all students. The 10% increase in the rate of scholarships to foreign gabonese students and 25% for students enrolled locally are very similar to a measure to win few votes in the next elections.

The housing problem remains for all Gabonese a figment of the imagination. This is not the promise of establishing a guarantee fund for housing that will reassure.

The administrative reform will be meaningful only when it is depoliticized and detribalized.

In addition, the flying by sight style of governing of this regime and a frantic search of unfound legitimacy leads Ali Bongo Ondimba wanting to capture a number of projects initiated and negotiated with external partners by the government of late President Omar Bongo Ondimba. This is the case of construction on the widening of the highway 1 until a Ntoum, and other projects. The project of the National Health Insurance and Social Security, initiated and implemented by the last government of Omar Bongo Ondimba which resulted in the issuance of the first cards to social security beneficiairies in December 2008 is another example.

Financially, the many pledges do not seem to reflect the debt capacity of Gabon. The public debt had been reduced significantly in the last government of Omar Bongo Ondimba but will, within two (02) years, be reaching levels so high that they lead us on the ground floor in the category of countries at risk for foreign investors. The latest recommendations of the International Monetary Fund is an obvious example.

Moreover, the gap between the budget passed by Parliament and made off-budget spending by the government seriously affects the financial credibility of the country at the same time it undermines all social policies, to make room to lavish spending:

• 65 billion (in local currency, about 100 millions euros or more than 130 millions US dollars) for a private mansion in Paris;
• 3.5 billion (in local currency, about 6.9 millions US dollars) for a residence in Washington D.C. (Late Senator Kennedy’s mansion);
• 17 billion (in local currency, about 34 millions US dollars) in two years for luxury cars.

Regarding the African Cup of Nations of football, Ali Bongo Ondimba, admitting it for the first time, finally informs us that the multisports stadium president Bongo, provided in the specifications of the Caf will not be operational for this competition. In his time, the opposition had rightly questioned the ability of our country to meet the delivery times of this stadium. History proves us right.

President Bongo Stadium in Libreville (photo: J.P. Rougou)

In due course, will require that the Gabonese people, football fans, be fully informed about the actual cost of the competition when you know the propensity of this regime for financial mistakes.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In his time, the Honourable Zacharie Myboto denounced a media-political charade organized at the Office of the President to, could you believe, introduce personal data in the preparation of the electoral register. Indeed, soon after, it did not happen because Ali Bongo Ondimba relied on a false reading and deliberately truncated opinion of the Constitutional Court. To hear Ali Bongo on August 16, biometrics will not be considered for the next parliamentary elections.

An order made at the last Council of Ministers, which amends many provisions of the Electoral Code would find its justification as an immediate application in accordance with Article 52 of the Constitution. Indeed, the right to legislate by ordinance only be explained by the urgency of the situation. The urgency here is to hold the next parliamentary elections in a transparent manner. However, the people in power decided otherwise. This is the place to denounce the democratic backsliding of this change by order of the electoral rules. In other serious democratic setbacks, this order:

• challenges the tradition of political consensus which has always preceded any change in the electoral code;
• returns to the principle of parity in the process of decision making within the permanent electoral commission (Cenap);
• opens the possibility of relocating the headquarters of the Electoral Commission at the whim of those in power;
• confiscated democratic debate by reducing the duration of the campaign, leaving the field open to corruption and the purchase of consciences.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

If assumed it had been brought to the head of the state by the will of the people of Gabon as he claims, the current holder of supreme power is it consistent with his conscience? Can he straight in Gabonese eyes when he dares to say that "I will continue to be part of responsibility, listening, dialogue and consensus constantly sought, necessary for our progress and to the preservation of civil and social peace for which we are key players "?

Can civil and social peace really be preserved as the people have no sense of freedom? As the Gabonese feel as foreigners at home and they do not recognize the leader of their country? As long as the people will not feel truly exercising their sovereignty and the freedom to choose their leaders will not be respected?

This is the case for elections that this regime claims to want to hold by the end of the year without the necessary transparency as demanded by the people of Gabon. If the men in power was listening to the people, if they have reflected the social demand which is indeed expressed by the population, all the conditions could be met for the forthcoming parliamentary elections to not give rise to disputes and not lead to a crisis. "No biometrics, hello damage! "Ali Bongo declared in the famous dialogue meeting that he himself had organized. Today, Ali Bongo has chosen the damage, he is leading the country toward them.

Are we a people condemned to permanent trial and error, even on what is accessible to us through our simple intelligence?

Ladies and gentlemen, my dear compatriots,

We are all aware of the seriousness of the situation in which those in power will lead us by insisting on organizing the upcoming parliamentary elections in disastrous conditions that we have just mentioned. We can not and must not accept it.

As responsible people, we launch a solemn appeal to all political parties of the opposition, civil society and all citizens who love peace, freedom and democracy. We invite them to take action in order to defeat the obscure maneuvers of Ali Bongo who has no other ambition than to remain in power by any means.

In the Gabonese people, we renew our call to action and vigilance.

Thank you.


(Free translation from french by Citoyen Libre Gabon)

Gabon: Open Letter to the attention of the New York Academy of Sciences

(translated from French)

Only a few months ago, several organizations of African and Western civil societies rebelled against you and expressed their outrage at your institution which applied for sponsorship of President Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, for his lavish prices. Today, you tend the perch to Ali Bongo of Gabon, the “yellow jersey” of African dictatorship, as if you are making the difference between AIDS and the plague...

The choice of sponsorship of your institution for some time and his love for African dictators are in line to significantly impair the credit enjoyed by far the prestigious New York Academy of Sciences.

It must be remembered that Mr. Ali Bongo is far worse than President Obiang Nguema when it comes to corruption, dictatorship and deprivation of basic citizen freedoms. Yet history teaches us that the Academy, the first school of philosophy, was frequented by disciples or those carefully chosen. Indeed, Plato, the founder, was a significant engine of the democratic development of his time and his works with the tyrant of Sicily and later with his son, also his thoughts, are perfect examples and deserve an actualization and a fundamental review of the role of our academies today.

If you are so indifferent to the cries of thousands of Gabonese who do not have at least basic social services, have at least consideration for the science that is the reason for your Academy. Are Americans so pathetically and tragically affected by the economic crisis to the point of deepening into complicity with the dirty money of African dictatorships and hence undermining the image of their prestigious institution?

In addition to the U.S. Senate which published a report on the ill-gotten gains of African dictators [1], your embassy in France to let you know, very discreet and laid bare by Wikileaks, that Mr Ali Bongo was placed in power against the will of the people [2], and recently a document of television news of ABC showed the poor living conditions of Gabonese. would Ali Bongo be solicited by the Academy for his brilliant scientific career, his enormous wealth, as a representative of an oligarchic group or as representative of the people of Gabon?

If it is his (bad) treatment of the people of Gabon that earned him so much honor on the part of your institution, we find this very cynical and thus conclude that science has no rightful place in your institution. Possibly taking note of this option, we may consider actions of discredit against you and initiate legal actions against the New York Academy of Sciences in our capacity as taxpayers of Gabon. This will be the battle of David and Goliath!

That is why we, the collective signatories of this letter, do earnestly appeal to your sense of responsibility and the will of your distinguished institution to find another African personality to be given the great honor to sponsor your price, being an individual or a legal entity (e.g. a business) truly representative of the dignity past, present and especially future of Gabonese and / or African, and their hope for greater justice and again and again, more dignity.

By Gabonese of France

WOULD YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO TAKE MONEY FROM GABON TO FINANCE YOUR PRICE IN THE UNITED STATES?

[1] A trial on the issue much stifled is underway in the Tribunal de Paris

[2] A documentary confirming this is being broadcast right now in France on the television channel of the French Parliament - LCP.

Free translation: C.L.

Threats and intimidation on the menu of power in Gabon

Press release (translated from french)

By Coordination of the movement That’s enough!

Since the launch of the campaign That's enough! (Ça suffit comme ça!), July 16, 2011 initiated by the 13 most powerful unions, associations and NGOs to demand Gabon institutional reform and the organization of parliamentary elections in full transparency and their report after the African Cup of Nations that Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are co-organizing in January 2012, an intense campaign to discredit the main actors of this movement is led by the press and the media close to the Presidency of the Gabonese Republic.

Indeed, one of the promoters of this movement, Marc Ona Essangui is systematically denigrated by the websites and newspapers close to the President of Gabon, namely the weekly “La Griffe” (claw) which spends time a month ago all its newspapers numbers talking about this actor of civil society.

As the media campaign was not enough, and convinced of the lack of impact of their articles and documents against these militants for transparency and good governance in Gabon with the population, the authors of this odious campaign come to change strategy by opting for intimidation over the phone and uttering death threats and insults anonymously to the place of Marc Ona Essangui. As proof, August 5, 2011 at 11:15 am an anonymous phone call from the number (241) 726707 covers him with insults and pretends he is a spokesman for the National Union, an opposition party dissolved recently. A few minutes later came another anonymous phone call which became abusive and threatening.

This Thursday, August 11, 2011 between 1:18 p.m. and 2:36 p.m. Libreville time, here is a list of phone numbers used to continue perpetrating operation of all types including threats and insults: (241) 726707, (+241) 726717 (241 ) 726739, (241) 726725, (+241) 726703, (241) 726708 and (241) 735707.

One of the authors of these anonymous phone calls has been unveiled in a note from the newspaper's La Griffe Friday, August 5, 2011, number 452 in these terms: "... In the same day Friday, our editorial sought to apply his conscience to light the lantern of Gabon on his political position in direct, the question was no less direct: Mr. Marc Ona, is that you are an activist of the National Union? ... "Response of the individual:" Nothing shall prevent any citizen to belong to a political party ... "Indeed, the number used this Friday, August 5, 2011 is part of the series of today: 726707 . Does this mean that the paper held by relatives of President Ali Bongo with one of his advisor Raphael Ntoutoume Nkoghe (Justin Lagryphe), uses phone numbers of his administration to prepare and execute the dirty work?

The identification process of these phone numbers, which presumably would come from an administration, a department, institution, the presidency of the republic of Gabon, or a home, is being done by independent services.

Recall that the debate raised by civil society based on democratic and republican principles and the Constitution of the Republic grants citizens the right to participate in public life of his country.

We reaffirm our determination to go all the way to true democracy in our country plundered by an oligarchy in power for 45 years and who is guilty of hijacking the country's resources to the detriment of the great mass of people languishing into poverty, forced to look for food in landfills.

The national and international communities are our witnesses and they should therefore see how Gabon is ruled base on police powers principles, where the ruling party is against all types of opposition and where fundamental freedoms or liberties are violated.

We reserve the right to appeal to all national and international courts to end this practice of another age.

Libreville (Gabon), August 11, 2011

For the Coordination of the movement That's enough!

Marc Ona Essangui

Press Contacts:

Master Paulette Oyane Ondo, Lawyer, Phone: (241) 07 07 16 48 / (241) 06 26 73 12

Georges MPAG, ROLBG: (241) 07 51 99 32

Marc Ona Essangui: (241) 07 29 41 40

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Traduction libre: Citoyen Libre Gabon

Open Letter of Civil Society of Gabon to Prime minister of France

OPEN LETTER OF CIVIL SOCIETY OF GABON

To His Excellency François Fillon

PRIME MINISTER OF FRANCE

Mr Prime Minister,

With the prospect of a presidential election in France, it is customary that the highest representatives of the French state program a tour of Africa.

We can not comment on the real purpose of the one you are in Gabon for, as the relationships that "unite", or more precisely, that bind Gabon to France are decided in your palaces and those of your personal friends, except with the people of Gabon.

Mr Prime Minister,

Recognizing the true nature of relations between France and Gabon, the engaged civil society, in this open letter, would like to express its profound sense, with the hope that, contrary to custom, you'll finally have the political intelligence to include them in your definition of the interests of France.

Hence, Prime Minister, Gabonese civil society is aware that the French political class, blinded by the defense of its interests, despises the conscience and intelligence of the peoples of the world.

Indeed, Prime Minister more than 50 years after (so call) independence, Gabon is at a crossroads, the country is plunged into an indescribable desolation which key words include:

• The general state of disrepair of infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals, housing);
• The degeneration of 75% of the population;
• The economic crimes including corruption, as a system of governance: This corruption affects all aspects of the regime: the Bongo family in particular has captured all material and financial resources of Gabon, which is thus the victim of a pillage and plunder of a large scale and shamelessly ....

In the same vein, members of government and heads of institutions affiliated with the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) regularly divert budgets allocated to them.

-How to understand that since 2008, with annual budgets estimated at four billion euros on average, Gabon is not able to have a functioning health system?

- How to understand with all means, that Gabonese women continue to die when giving birth per hundred in Libreville and in the provinces?

- How to understand that with so much money the government is not able to build schools that meet international standards, but Gabonese children are crammed into classrooms (80 to 100 students per classroom)?

- How to understand that with so much money the Gabonese have no access to basic needs for water and electricity in Libreville and in the whole country?

- How to understand that this Government has not able to offer its people, decent housing to address the serious housing shortage that affects more than 70% of the population?

- How to understand that Gabon through its defense forces and security continues to use torture on detainees in detention centers of police, gendarme and intelligence services?

- How to understand the central prison in Libreville built for 250 people is now full with more than 2000 prisoners tortured and permanently deprived of all rights?

- How to understand the violation and the rejection of all forms of democratic expression by the Government of Gabon that forbid and punish marches or public demonstrations and meetings of civil society and opposition?

- How then to understand the abusive and illegal use of security and defense forces to violently beat up and kill civilians in Gabon? The example of Port-Gentil (in 2009) is a reminder of the criminal nature of this regime which bulk of power is based on the use of brute force with the help of mercenaries and other illegal forces.

- How can France accept that stolen billion in Gabon by Bongo family members and their allies can be accommodated in French banks, and that the judicial proceeding against the ill-gotten gains are hampered by the French government?

- How is France that promotes democratic values and ethics in the management of public property, to accept the purchase in 2010 in Paris of a building for 100 million euros, while in Gabon people in power can not provide primary health care to population they are supposed to represent?

Mr. Prime Minister, the great France, the country of Human Rights and the Citizen of 1789 should no longer support this criminal regime, this ignominious dictatorship!

France must absolutely choose sides, the camp of democracy and transparency!

France did not hesitate to compromise themselves as with Tunisia, and for that the choice of France must be clear!

To free Gabon of the current state of degradation, civil society supported by national democratic forces requires these:

1. Fundamentally reform the Constitutional Court;

2. Revision of the electoral law;

3. Reforming the National Council for Communication;

4. Reforming CENAP (Permanent electoral commission)  integrating members of civil society;

5. Reduce the presidential term to five (5) years renewable only once;

6. Ensure that the military personnel will be voting outside their barracks as all citizens;

7. Back to elections in two rounds;

8. Proceed with redistricting, taking into account the demographic factor;

9. Get the partners of development (including the international community) involved in the process of electoral transparency;

10. Introduce biometrics into the making of the electoral register;

11. Open the public media to all stakeholders (all people) in the Nation;

12. Amend the Constitution in a referendum to incorporate all the reforms;

13. Set up a Tripartite Commission (majority in power, opposition and civil society) responsible for the implementation of all reforms.

On transparency which is the main problem of the electoral process in Gabon, Mr. Ali Bongo and his government, against all odds and against the will of the people of Gabon have agreed to hold parliamentary elections in 2011 with the current legal provisions that not guarantee the vote in conditions of transparency and credibility. Thus, a widespread fraud is preparing to ensure the falsification and the victory of the PDG in the next election.

Mr Ali Bongo and his government have therefore decided to force a passage, by refusing to introduce biometrics into the electoral process despite the fact that the electoral law on biometrics has been passed and that all stakeholders want electoral transparency.

So, Mr. Prime Minister, it despise us to think that we are not aware that foreign policy, and particularly France's foreign policy in Africa, is based only on circumstantial rhetoric. This talent for rhetoric to defend all the major principles and their opposites: what applies to Libya does not apply to Syria, nor for Yemen. The future of Africa? That expressed by Nicolas Sarkozy in Dakar, is the opposite of what he maintains in Libreville. An electoral coup in Gabon and you pull down the red carpet at Ali Bongo. An electoral coup in Ivory Coast and you launch your missiles at Laurent Gbagbo. Universal principles applicable in France are not applicable in Gabon.

We are outraged to see that you are truly convinced that more than fifty years of (so call) "independence," Gabon is not able to make the file an electoral body equivalent to a district of France. Also outraged to find that before the blinkers you wear with all the scandals in Gabon, fraud has become a model of government that is shockingly clear in the educational system, as the Ministry of Education has distributed numerous baccalaureate and BEPC (high school) exams to their siblings owners of private high schools. We are frustrated to see how often the duplicity by which the country of Human Rights (France) represents and applies according to its affinities, its allegiances.

From the country of Human rights, we have heard no official voice rising to protest the adoption, by law, of a constitution establishing a military-police state in Gabon. It is clear that the aspirations of the Gabonese people will never be part of your concerns. And lead us not speak of non-interference in our internal affairs, you will then force us to state the event to deny that.

Nicolas Sarkozy, after pledging during his campaign to end the paternalistic relations between France and Gabon, has changed sides advocating the "uninhibited relations." We understand that the master of Françafrique has now assumed, without complex, the perpetuation of the inextricable link that unites politicians and businessmen in the corruption, predation of our country.

Mr Prime Minister,

Gabon is your counter. But the Gabonese aspire, against your will, to take charge of their destiny. Gabonese civil society wants to solemnly warn you by telling you our firm determination to reclaim our rights, our freedoms, our sovereignty, our country by all means necessary.

That said, Gabonese civil society like sisters Niger, Senegal, Guinea Conakry ... said, "That's enough! " and decides to take responsibility for our country, the rule of law, one democratic state in which to live.

The Gabonese want to finally be recognized through their leaders by taking into account their votes because so far, the elections were still studded with fraud and multiform incidents.

Excellency, Mr. Prime Minister, prevention is better than cure. So your intervention with gabonese authorities may avoid the fate experienced in Ivory Coast for example.

Ultimately, gabonese authorities must understand that failure to take into account the requirements of civil society on the electoral process and democratic environment in Gabon on one hand, and the resolution of social problems on the other hand, there will be no elections in Gabon.

If necessary, civil society reserves the right to take major actions, aimed at bringing the gabonese government to adopt mechanisms for transparent elections, whatever the price that needs to be paid!

Knowing we can count on your contribution to the establishment of true democracy in Gabon, please accept Prime Minister, the assurance of our highest consideration.

Libreville, Thursday, July 15, 2011

For civil society:

Brainforest, SAEG, CONASYSED, SNEEPS, USDS, USAP, SYGEF, AFRICAN HORIZONS, ROLBG, PUBLISH WHAT YOU PAY, OND, SENA, FESEENA,

Press Contacts:

Marc Ona Essangui: Brainforest / Publish What You Pay: (241) 07 29 41 40

Georges MPAG: ROLBG: (241) 07 51 99 32

Alain MOUAGOUADI: CONASYCED: (241) 07 39 45 85

Dieudonné MINLAMA: OND: (241) 07 94 87 19

Alain MOUPOPA: African Horizons: (241) 07 75 15 03

(Translated from french by Citoyen Libre)

Gabon: civil society’s Open Letter to the Bishops of Churches in Central Africa

Gabonese civil society’s Open Letter to the Bishops of member countries of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa Region (ACERAC)

Dear Fathers in the Episcopate of the Church in Central Africa

During his mission trip to Angola, March 20, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI has spoken openly in favor of the various initiatives whose purpose is to promote sound practices in public affairs, good governance and the fight against corruption. Among them, NEPAD, the Kimberley Process, the coalition Publish What You Pay Initiative and the Extractive Industries Transparency.

Indeed, Central Africa is potentially the richest part of the continent in mineral resources, but ironically the poorest and least developed.

According to experts, two phenomena explain this catastrophic situation:

1 - The longevity in power and the lack of democracy.

2 - Widespread corruption of ruling oligarchies

a) longevity in power.

This is the heart of the problem.

Indeed, the democratic deficit is the norm in all countries of our sub-region. The heads of state are on average 30 years in power, usually by force, repression and electoral fraud. The different movements of the democratic opposition do not have an environment to emerge as an alternative policy. All institutions in charge of the democratic process are in the hands of relatives or friends of the founding president and leader of the state ruling party. In short, democratic freedoms are violated: between imprisoned, murdered journalists, members of civil society killed or imprisoned, marches and other public events of the opposition and civil society are systematically prohibited.

b) the widespread corruption of the ruling oligarchies

This is reflected by the overwhelming poverty of the population and a chronic shortage of critical infrastructure. The state resources are diverted to a clique of corrupt leaders who cling against all odds to be in violation of the sovereignty and the right to citizenship of the people as expressed and embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Peoples of 1948. The case of ill-gotten gains, which highlighted the massive diversion of public funds at the expense of development in the sub-region is indicative of poor governance afflicting the majority of our states.

Given this general fact, and taking into account the global context marked by profound changes characterized by the willingness of people to aspire to the well-being and freedom, Gabonese civil society has the same legitimate aspirations of democracy and good governance for social justice, and is seizing the opportunity of the celebration at the moment, in Libreville, of the Ninth Plenary Assembly of the ACERAC to bring to the attention of your excellencies, which follows:

Since the advent of democracy, Gabon country remains haunted by the evils of all kinds:

In social terms, the cost of living has increased considerably, while the living conditions have not changed at all (over 80% of the population languishing below the poverty line). This fact, since 1990 is reflected by turmoil in the social sector, characterized by incessant strikes, synonymous with a growing unease without people in power with PDG (ruling party), in place for 43 years, to review their policy in social planning.

On the political side, democracy as desired by the people during the Sovereign National Conference, is fictitious. Since 1990, Gabon has no reliable electoral register and could not, despite the enormous resources allocated for this purpose to date, hold elections without them ending up in violent protests with the often dramatic consequences for many families in Gabon. This was the case with the last Presidential elections that plunged the country into a severe political crisis.

On the economic front, despite the immense wealth that the country abounds, the benefits reach only a caste of people clung to power for 43 years, while the majority of people are dying in misery indescribable.

Notwithstanding the apocalyptic vision, the Church of Gabon in contrast to her sisters in Africa in general, especially those of Central Africa remains in a guilty silence which makes it de facto a tacit accomplice erected in the arbitrary mode of governance in Gabon. This attitude contrasts with the tasks entrusted to the Church, as recommended by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who asked his apostles to be "the light of the world and salt of the earth" (Matthew 5: 13 -16).

Indeed, how to understand that "the duty of Truth", the Church of Gabon prefers to keep quiet? Faced with "the duty of justice," is the Church of Gabon choosing resignation?

When all analysis are done, it seems appropriate to ask your Excellencies more attention and a strong involvement of the Church in building a true democracy and the establishment of good governance in Gabon, as required by the civil society which the Church is full with our members.

Armed with all of these arguments, the Gabonese civil society, hereby wishes to inform you of its determination to establish a true democracy in Gabon. The declaration of 29 June 2011 on the electoral process and democratic governance in Gabon summary in 13 points is a perfect illustration of this desire:

1. Fundamentally reform the Constitutional Court;

2. Revision of the electoral law;

3. Reforming the National Council for Communication;

4. Reform the Autonomous National Electoral Commission and Permanent (CENAP) by integrating the members of civil society;

5. Reduce the presidential term to five years, renewable once;

6. To make sure the military votes out side their barracks as all citizens and civil

7. Back to elections in two rounds;

8. Proceed with redistricting, taking into account the factor of democracy;

9. Partners of development (including the international community) be involved in the process of electoral transparency;

10. Introduce biometrics into the making of the electoral register;

11. Open the public media to all actors or people in the nation;

12. Amend the Constitution by referendum to incorporate all the reforms;

13. Set up a tripartite commission majority / opposition / civil society responsible for the implementation of all reforms.

We think rightly, that these 13 proposals made by civil society are the prerequisites for achieving "a peaceful change of government without bloodshed." To this end, Gabonese civil society comes writes this open letter, asking the Church of Gabon, as a consciousness-raiser and a spur of the society to resume its historical place in order to lead the fight for social justice and good governance, ensuring the harmonious development of the country and well being of the people of Gabon.

Following His Holiness Pope John Paul II, the Great apostle of modern times, tireless advocate of the oppressed, "fear not", "go in hope," "Church of Gabon get up and walk! ".

With that, may the Lord our God bless you and allow you a safe return to your respective missions in Peace and Love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Deep consideration.

Libreville July 9, 2011

Gabon: General Parliamentary Elections 2011: the victory of the people within our reach

 (translated from french article published July 9 2011 by Petit-Lambert Ovono, gabonoscope@gmail.com)

In a democracy, government and administration normally play the role of arbitrators in the management of the electoral process.

That was never the case in Gabon where the administration reflects the color of the ruling party, and therefore entirely politicized and completely biased on the one hand, and on the other, the government and other constitutional institutions substitute themselves often to the ruling party and so distort from the start any electoral process.

After the scenarios played by Ali Bongo, Paul Mba Biyoghe and Mborantsouo, in their kind of soap opera made for hacking the next legislative or parliamentary elections, and the proposal of the civil society of the 13 prerequisites, the emergence of Jean François Ndoungou, Gabon's minister of the Interior, is quick to be in concordance with the checklist of this "director" (of their kind of "movie").

The first action of the minister of the interior of this illegitimate government Friday, July 8, 2011 is a response to the representatives of embassies of the United States, France and the European Union, particularly to civil society and political parties which agreed on 13 prerequisites for next local elections in Libreville on June 29, during a working session on the electoral process and democratic environment in Gabon, as the 13 conditions to be met by the government before organizing parliamentary elections in 2011.

Thus he began to exclude the civil society (calling it "too picky") on the political consultation Friday, July 8, 2011, overruling the statements of its President (the usurper) who said, less than a month ago, that civil society should be associated with the preparation and conduct of elections to ensure their transparency.

Turning to the offensive, and as expected, Ndoungou announced the opening of the next revision of electoral rolls without biometrics to organize the parliamentary elections.

No doubt the Minister of Ali Bongo expected the reaction of opposition parties, which is actually irrelevant in his eyes, since fear and the concern of Jean-François Ndongou lies elsewhere. The interior minister is rather waiting for the reaction of the people of Gabon which ability to mobilize is currently being tested in order to accept or prevent the government to organize the next elections.

He returned therefore to all political parties, associations, unions, religious groups .., to sent a loud and clear message of general and democratic mobilization for the next elections which should take place in total transparency and without violence.

Neither the opposition nor the Gabonese people will no longer have an excuse if they went to these elections without the complete satisfaction of the 13 prerequisites and for good reasons, does they not claim to have won a majority of votes in the presidential elections of August 30 2009, and also having now sociological majority in Gabon?

The time has therefore come to the Gabonese people to stand up without violence to end the dictatorship, suffering, poverty and enslavement which the Bongo and PDG (ruling party) system has been submitting them to over the past half century.

Peaceful gatherings, with the sole motto of the 13 satisfactory conditions, must now begin to convince the government and international community of the merits of these requirements.

This is the price that Gabon needs to pay in order to take another step in advancing its democratic process.

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Note: The 13 conditions put forward by civil society and other partners (opposition parties, US Ambassy, France Ambassy, EU) include:

• fundamental reform of the Constitutional Court
• revise the electoral law,
• reform the National Communication Council (CNC),
• reform the National Permanent Electoral Commission (CENAP) by including members of civil society ,
• reduce the presidential term to five (5) years renewable once,
• make sure the military personnel will vote outside their military bases, as all citizens do,
• return to two-round elections,
• carry out redistricting, taking into account the demographic factor,
• involving partners of development (including international community) in the process of electoral transparency,
• introduce biometrics into the making of the electoral register,
• open the public media to all people and organizations (including political) in the nation,
• change the Constitution with a referendum to incorporate all reforms
• set up a Tripartite Commission, including majority parties movement, opposition parties, civil society, responsible for the implementation of all reforms.

Gabon: Union Nationale (National Union) goes hunting up North!

(translate from french, as published, July 8th 2011 by Jean-Pierre Rougou)

For their first political gathering in Woleu Ntem (one of the nine provinces of Gabon, in the North of the country) members of the Government of Andre Mba Obame, including ministers and executives of Union Nationale (National Union) chose Oyem, the provincial capital, to begin a marathon tour of information, explanation and clarification.

For ten days, Fabien Mbeng Ekorezok, Michel Ongoundou Lunda, Alfred Memini Me Zue, Thierry Nnang, Louma Alphonse François Ondo Edou, Véronique Essomeyo, Samy Ondo, Ondo Estelle and many others have at heart to travel around villages, districts and departments in the northern province to restore the truth about the political situation of Union Nationale, the stay of the Government in the UNDP office earlier this year and the health of Andre Mba Obame.

Judging by the reception of the delegation to the steps of Assok Bega, Nkolabona and Nkout, we can say, without risk of error, the tour will be a great success. Of those declared dead or seriously ill by the “singers” of the former one ruling party, PDG (founded by Omar Bongo), which come in the flesh in front of bewildered people, it can only arouse joy of family and friends who can meet again with their own. The truth is out and it is scathing, this explains the high turnout recorded in the first day. The welcome is reminiscent of the great masses-election campaign in August 2009 to the sound of "AMO president."

The questions that torment the spirits here are always the same: "What about the party Union Nationale officially dissolved but whose popularity rating has increased sharply since January 2011 when Andre Mba Obame made a swearing as president-elected? what future for "democracy" in Gabon? why some politicians slow down alternance and how to overcome this obstacle? Simple and clear answer from Essono Mengue Vincent, a former mayor of Oyem and current provincial official representative of Union Nationale: "It is up to us, people of Gabon to accomplish these aims. The day we get up all, as one man to drive out those who imposed themselves by force at the top of the state, it will be the end of the "Bongo dynasty." Whenever changes have taken place, the population was fervent. The most recent examples? Tunisia, Egypt and Senegal. " Message received 5 out of 5. The assistance will remember this little joke of a sexagenarian from Nkolabona: "if there is a party dissolved in Gabon, it is the PDG (Parti Démocratique Gabonais). It died with its founder. Everything today is just tinkering. You know, no human being, no science can revive a corpse. With a dead body, there are only three possibilities: use it as a corpse in medical school, to extract the organs to treat the living or buried altogether. The nitrogen derived from the decomposition of the body allows the growth of other plants. Therefore the PDG should allow Union Nationale to grow, it is the truly national party. "

When Michel Ongoundou Lunda, an Obamba of Okondja (province of Haut-Ogooué, origin of Bongo’s family) talks without complex in a Fang environment in Nkout, the symbol is sufficiently instructive to demolish the claims of PDG on power on a so-called isolationism of Fangs.... Video excerpts... (in french) 

Gabon silent revolution: the Army has an historic choice to make!

Although the ruling party PDG and Ali Ben Bongo would like us believe that all is well in Gabon and that there is no political crisis in that country, the facts show that since the electoral coup that allowed Ali Bongo to become (illegitimate) president in September 2009, Gabon is plunged into a major political crisis. The climax of the crisis was reached when Andre Mba Obame proclaimed himself President of Gabon and formed a parallel government January 25, 2009, which still exists.

The political crisis in Gabon has been called "silent revolution" because it took place at the same time that Tunisia and Egypt were living in historic times, while the dictators Ben Ali and Mubarak were being driven out power by their respective peoples. All cameras and all pens of the world media were therefore directed towards the Maghreb and Gabon seemed like a non event. Yet, as the Tunisians and Egyptians, the people of Gabon also denounced the manipulation of polls, oppression, exploitation, corruption, massive embezzlement of public funds, hunger, unemployment and other evils which it suffering for over 43 years that the country is run by the same Bongo family.

The outcome of the political crisis in Gabon, like the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt relies heavily on the role that the Army will play. Some opposition political parties (including the National Union or “Union Nationale” as it is called in french) and representatives of civil society have shown until recently their commitment to a country of Gabon finally free and democratic. The Army of Gabon (same for the Police) must choose between continuing to support a tyrannical regime and undermined the strong aspirations of the people for change and genuine democracy in Gabon.

Lessons from Maghreb and the Army of Gabon

In Tunisia, the Army has, through the United States, built a corridor for Ben Ali’s departure. The Tunisian Army was relegated to second place in favor of the Police during the reign of Ben Ali. It's an Army that can be qualified as patriotic and for the people.

In Egypt, the army, despite orders for an immediate transition of the United States and the European Union, continued to close the corridor for the possible departure of Mubarak said to be the bulwark against the development of political Islam. Hosni Mubarak has still left office under the protection of the Army. The Army has been critical to the success of Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions.

As they did in the case of Tunisia and Egypt, most Western capitals, including Paris, would they not be able to anticipate the tidal waves that carry the Gabonese people towards greater justice, more equality and more democracy in the real sense and not just ideals and slogans of principle (such as the emergence of Ali Bongo)?

Since dubious power taken by Albert Bernard Bongo (now Omar Bongo) in 1968, the Army appears to be the guarantor of power with little variation in the changing political context. Part of the Army has been enriched because the generals consider themselves to be guarantors of the struggle against instability, so the guarantors of social peace, receiving physical and financial aid from France, for geostrategic, economic control and energy security reasons. Real democracy and economic management of populations has been abandoned in favor of a false democracy based on political corruption, manipulation, nepotism, embezzlement of public funds and mass enslavement of large sections of civil society. The quiet revolution underway in Gabon gives the impression that the Army and the Police are in an ambiguous and untenable in the medium and long term.

After the unsolved killing of Port-Gentil after the proclamation of the fraudulent election of Ali Bongo, the Gabonese were scared to demonstrate. The change of jackets of some political opponents did not help either to solidify the confidence of Gabonese to the political class. As if some wondered then what's to die for by the bullets of red berets (Berets rouges are one of the most brutal and feared part of the Army) and other mercenaries of Ali Bongo? In addition, the Government of the ruling party PDG is working hard to send the red berets beat people from the moment a small event is organized in a public place. All this climate of fear and suspicion has certainly nipped in the bud bursts of popular demonstrations in public places, it does not, however, destroyed the deep desire peaceful democratic change in a majority of Gabonese, even in an apparent silence.

In the actual political context nationaly and internationaly, the evolution of democracy in Gabon will depend in large part of the strong intervention of the Army or not. If the Gabonese see a sign, even a modest one, that the Army and the police have finally chosen the camp of democracy and the people, there is no doubt that political change (inevitable) will occur in Gabon a pace that has nothing to envy when departures of Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak occured.

The Gabonese army can not continue to play the ostrich with democracy forever. As in Egypt, if the country is on the verge of blood, Ali Bongo retain the hope of saving the fallen dynasty, but this hope of the entire family Bongo will have a very short time if the majority of the Chief of Staff of the Army made it clear to the clan of Bongo as his reign is over.

If the maintenance of a reactionary dictatorship in Gabon was the first choice for France and the hardcore supporters of Françafrique, it's not quite that of Barack Obama's America, even though the first months of Ali Ben to power seemed to indicate that the United States fully supports him. Undoubtedly, parliamentary democracy with alternation is the preferred mode of governance of the United States. Gabonese Army must listen and make the right choice, that of the people against tyranny.

As in Tunisia and Egypt, Gabon Army will decide what the clan of Bongo has accomplished over the weeks or months for a stay and decide whether it should continue to reprimand the slightest manifestation of the people without arms or remain on courts and markets to regulate or punish, if necessary, democracy granted or refused. We know that law and order is a sacred law of the Army. Ali Bongo is their King, Master and Supreme Leader, and the armed men obey him. But as in the Maghreb, the Army of Gabon can not continue forever to blindly obey orders to kill his own people which shows unarmed, for freedom, democracy and a better sharing of resources. After all, the vast majority of Gabonese military also lives in misery and distressing conditions!

Gabonese Army must know that history has been rewritten. There is one thing that is permanent, it is change. Yes, history can turn and give rise to new dynamics, reversing the reports previously considered permanently inscribed in stone or concrete.

Citoyen Libre

Gabonese civil society calls for democratic interference in Gabon

TO: The Presidents of the United States of America and France, the Secretary General of the United Nations, the President of the Commission of the African Union and President of the Commission of the European Union 

It is in the name of democracy, universal principle and foundation of freedoms that we send you this wake-up call, a call for help for our country Gabon. 

As you know, Gabon is in ruins. A widespread destruction caused by a criminal oligarchy in power for nearly half a century. 

This oligarchy political mafia organized a large-scale looting of the country's wealth and orchestrated a criminal policy of subjugation, of collective impoverishment of a population reduced to begging and bumnest or homelessness. 

The oligarchic system has organized corruption in people's attitudes and way of thinking: this enterprise is planned by ideologues of this unique thinking criminal regime. Ultimately, noble people of this country are in fact driven to resignation, to the renunciation of their legitimate rights, in short, to despair. 

For 43 years, everyday life in Gabon is a tragedy. Gabonese people are deprived of their basic rights in education, health, access to housing and decent jobs... 

 All socio-economic indicators show the miserable situation of Gabon and the inability of those in power to offer them a minimum living wage. In truth, the leaders of Gabon were enriched in billions of dollars at the expense of two-thirds of the population. These stolen resources were placed in tax havens and Western banks. 

The many reforms announced with great fanfare by Mr. Ali Bongo, experienced no realization on the ground. Meanwhile, the president will travel the world at taxpayers expense. His trips are estimated in the hundreds of billions of CFA francs. 

Against all odds, in defiance of the noble claims of social or civil sectors, the President bought a palace valued more than 100 million euros in Paris. This abject expense is a real humiliation toward Gabonese people. 

Facing these vile acts in nature and in scope, civil society expresses its strong disapproval of the mismanagement of Gabon by the corrupt ruling clan. 

Civil society is committed to the international community and the people of Gabon to the end to defend the dignity of the individual harmed in this country. 

Gabon, like Egypt of Moubarack and Tunisia of Ben Ali, is chained, paralyzed and imprisoned in a real system of hunger. 

As in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal, Gabon wants a democratic rule of law, transparent preserving democratic freedoms of its citizens. 

The Gabonese want full democracy, based on the will of the people to determine their future and build a new governance model. 

With the above, organizations of civil society in Gabon, urges the international community including the United States Government, the French Government, the Security Council of the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union, to exercise democratic right to interfere in Gabon to allow the holding of free and credible elections in a transparent and peaceful environment. 

This request is justified by the current deadlock of the democratic process in the country by a clan that refuses any possibility of alternation by free and transparent elections, and confiscation of regulatory instruments of democracy. In 2009, following the death of Mr Omar Bongo Ondimba, the second head of state, elections were held in conditions most questionable and resulted in a monarchical succession to power through the son of the late president and the maintenance of a corrupt and oligarchic system responsible for the holistic disaster of the nation of Gabon. 

At this moment, the involvement of the international community becomes crucial because Gabon is now on the brink of implosion since so many violations of fundamental rights of citizens and the endless frustrations of the people by an arrogant management of state by this oligarchy have become legion. Indeed, the Gabonese people as a whole has the burning desire to be free of tyranny and a corrupt system of slavery. We demand the dismantling of the system that crushes an entire people and that dehumanizes children in this country. Even if the system has changed its head of state, the political structure in its ideological and totalitarian organization still remains in place. It is for this reason that the interference of the international community in Gabon is a sine qua non condition to avoid chaos and anarchy.

Libreville, 29 June 2011

(Les signataires, des membres de SENA, CONASYSED, FESEENA, BrainForest, Publiez ce que vous Payez, ROLBG, OND, TV+, Mkulu Le Messager / Le temps, Echos du Nord, SEEPS, SAEG, USDS / USAP, Africa n°1)