Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Griffin Ondo Nzuey
Published on 2024-04-03 13:04:34
If the government clearly rejected the establishment of a “truth-justice-reconciliation” commission during the inclusive National Dialogue on Tuesday, April 2, the President of the Transition hinted at the possibility of granting this request made by many Gabonese. But only after the meetings… and if necessary.
To wipe the slate clean of the past, many Gabonese, particularly those who opposed Ali Bongo, wish for the establishment of a “truth, justice, and reconciliation” commission during the National Inclusive Dialogue. While these requestors were met with the government’s refusal at the official opening of these meetings scheduled for the entire month of April, the President of the Transition did not completely close the door to the possibility of such a structure. However, this would only be considered after the discussions. Especially since this dialogue is not intended to be a court or a tribunal, as he emphasized in his speech in front of thousands of people.
General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema reiterated that “on the contrary, the national dialogue aims to reflect on the building of a new Gabon, reconcile Gabonese people with each other, creating a space for all the children of our country, regardless of their social status, to come together around our quest for prosperity, shared happiness, and our living together.” It is not about “a brawl,” but rather a place where everyone can “speak freely and safely, without taboos or censorship.”
“The CTRI reserves the right to consider the merits of a ‘justice, truth, and reconciliation’ commission when the time comes. The period of transition seems far too short to establish the responsibilities of each event by revisiting the circumstances that prevailed at the time of the facts. Especially since in other places, commissions of this kind have opened wounds that are still not healed despite the years. It is good to look back, I agree, but that should not prevent us from moving forward,” he warned.
Read the original article(French) on Gabon Review
