Political party leaders gathered in Libreville on August 12 to address a growing concern: the rising tide of personal insults targeting President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and his family. The statement comes in response to recent online attacks by a segment of the Gabonese diaspora in Europe, whose rhetoric has escalated beyond political criticism into outright verbal abuse.
David Mbadinga, leader of the Union des patriotes gabonais loyalistes (UPGL) and spokesperson for the collective, minced no words in condemning the trend. “Political opposition does not require insulting a leader’s mother,” he declared, standing alongside fellow party heads Florentin Moussavou (Conscience et action citoyenne) and Paskhal Nkoulou (Bloc démocratique populaire).
The collective argued that such behavior not only discredits the individuals involved but also tarnishes the national image of Gabon. “When political discourse descends into humiliation and personal attacks, it reflects poorly on our entire country,” Mbadinga emphasized. The statement specifically highlighted the inflammatory rhetoric of Landry Mbeng, a Swiss-based activist known online as “Lanlaire,” whose recent videos have sparked outrage for targeting the President, his mother, and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema with particularly harsh language.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the political leaders issued a call for national unity, urging restraint during this pivotal month of August—a period traditionally dedicated to reinforcing patriotism, peace, and social cohesion. Their message was clear: while political dissent is a cornerstone of democracy, it must never cross into disrespect or undermine the dignity of individuals or the nation.
In essence, the declaration served as a reminder that vigorous debate and unwavering opposition are vital—but they must always be tempered by the values of respect and national pride.
