Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alix-Ida Mussavu
Published on 2024-03-22 14:55:21
Above the voices calling for the postponement of the Inclusive National Dialogue, the Minister of Institutional Reform announced on Friday, March 22 that there would be no postponement. Speaking to the press, Murielle Minkoué Mezui épse Mintsa also wanted to reassure the public about the inclusive nature of this meeting, its organization, conduct, and outcomes, while also indicating that the sovereignty of the people will be expressed during the referendum scheduled for the end of the year.
In ten days in Gabon, the Inclusive National Dialogue will take place. While voices have been raised for several weeks demanding postponement, the Minister of Institutional Reform announced during an exchange with the press that there will be no postponement. “I confirm that it will take place from April 2 to 30, 2024 in Libreville and Akanda as announced in the final communique of the Council of Ministers on March 20, 2024,” said Murielle Minkoué Mezui épse Mintsa. “Until today, I have not seen any members of those who criticize these preparations come to the Ministry of Reform. I found out about it on social media,” said the government official in charge of organizing this grand event.
If the inclusive nature of these discussions is questioned by those calling for a postponement, Murielle Minkoué Mezui has affirmed that “it is an inclusive dialogue because it does not exclude anyone.” She cited as proof the call for contributions sent to all components of society, which has resulted in more than 38,000 contributions, as well as the fact that all legally recognized political parties, vulnerable individuals, administrations, women, youth, civil society, and other members of society will be represented. The question of the sovereignty of this dialogue also being a subject of debate, the minister noted that the protagonists do not have the same definition of sovereignty.
“Generally, when we talk about sovereignty in this context, it means that the acts of the dialogue are binding. However, there are questions, especially in terms of constitutional matters or international treaties, that require legal experts and specialists to address,” she said. According to her, this is the purpose of the constituent assembly that will have to rewrite the Constitution. “For our part, sovereignty will be expressed during the referendum scheduled for the end of the year,” said Murielle Minkoué Mezui. “It is important to remember that the sovereignty demanded has already begun to manifest itself with the contributions of the people,” added the government official.
Read the original article(French) on Gabon Review
