Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Désiré-Clitandre Dzonteu
Published on 2024-04-02 16:16:51
The much-anticipated Inclusive National Dialogue in Gabon, since the coup of August 30, 2023, was officially opened on Tuesday, April 2 at the Palais des Sports et de la Culture in Libreville by the president of the Transition. In front of more than 4,000 people and the facilitator of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) for the Transition in Gabon, Faustin Archange Touadéra, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema kicked off this grand event marked by a lot of emotions, but also seriousness. The opening ceremony was a kaleidoscope, attracting a large crowd to lay the foundation of a “Gabon worthy of envy.”
In Gabon, the Inclusive National Dialogue (DNI) announced by the authorities of the Transition, following the overthrow of the former regime in Libreville, opened on Tuesday, April 2. At the opening of the sessions, the President of the Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, set the stage, recalling the objective of this meeting to inscribe new chapters in the history of Gabon. “The dialogue aims to build a new Gabon and reconcile Gabonese people with each other,” he declared.
An opportunity for the united Gabonese people to discuss, through the Commissioners, without taboos, without preconceived ideas, with courage and clarity, to reconsider the structures of Gabonese society and national politics, the opening of the National Dialogue was a defining moment to permanently mark the minds and history of the country.
Before the arrival of the two heads of state, the attendees were treated to performances by various national groups and artists from several generations. Pierre Claver Akendengue, Martin Rompave, Hilarion Nguema, Defunzu, RodNzeng, Annie Flore Batchiellilys, Lord Ekomy Ndong, and especially André Pépé Nzé raised the adrenaline.
While dancing with other Gabonese artists, Oligui Nguema was deeply moved, even to tears, during Pépé Nzé’s performance. The latter sang about the harmony of the village with his song “Nzale,” calling on the daughters and sons to come together. An internet user remarked that “when politics humanizes, joy and emotion are always present.”
“In the memory and tribute to those who could not see the new Republic”
Opening the actual work, the transitional president emphasized that he wishes for a new era in the history of Gabon. “I am determined to see Gabon enter a new era of its history towards happiness,” he stated, highlighting that he wants to make this meeting “a conducive framework for incubating innovative ideas that will guide the writing of a new Constitution, as well as the promotion of laws favoring free and transparent elections.” “Our people expect a lot from this Inclusive National Dialogue,” declared the President of the Transition.
Around and inside the Palais des Sports, banners were displayed with messages like “guarantee the well-being of vulnerable people,” “together, let’s equip our country with strong economic levers,” and “re-appropriate our cultural and ancestral values.” All expressing the organizers’ intention for these meetings, the ambition is to “leave a fairer Gabon for future generations.”
Before the start of the sessions, representatives of all religious denominations in Gabon blessed the ceremony, placing Gabon and its future in the hands of God. Similarly, President Oligui Nguema observed a minute of silence in memory and tribute to those who could not see the new Republic.
The work will continue throughout the month of April at the Angondjé stadium.
Read the original article(French) on Gabon Review
