The Gabonese Head of State chaired the military parade on August 17 in Libreville, the capital, on the occasion of the festivities marking the celebration of the 59th anniversary of the independence of his country.
By Achille Mbog Pibasso
Physically diminished since its Stroke in October 2018, the celebration of Independence Day has allowed several Gabonese to renew “direct contact” with their leader. Many of them say “now convinced that this is not a double that was shown on television, the President of the Republic is alive and well.”
Regardless of the challenges of the opposition and those who want to do battle with the head of state, analysts corroborate that through this presidential exit, the power has undeniably scored a goal. It can be understood because for the past ten months that he is sick, the rare “public” appearances of the President of the Republic have been the subject of many disputes to the point that this presence during the festivities of the Independence Day allows to dispel some misunderstandings.
Disembarking in a military vehicle, Ali Bongo Odimba, whose thick black glasses hid his face somewhat, reviewed the troops, using his upper limbs to greet the crowd. A “popular communion” that will not fail to provoke scenes of joy and jubilation among its supporters amassed in number instead of parties.
One of the greatest moments of curiosity was undoubtedly when the vehicle of the military command from which the Head of State had taken his place came to a standstill before the place of the ceremonies so that his occupant could descend and return, after having climbed a few steps, his place at the tribune where his wife, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, was already waiting for him, all the constituted bodies of the State as well as the diplomatic corps.
With the help of a cane, Ali Bongo Odimba bowed in front of the flag during the national anthem, before returning to the official platform with slow steps and under a good escort the Republican Guard which filtered all the shooting of the master of the oceans . Time to preside over this military parade, the tenant of the Palace of the Seaside has left, to the great satisfaction of his supporters while “despite this palpable evidence that the head of state is alive,” his detractors persist and sign that “his disability no longer allows him to assume the functions of the President of the Republic.” In other words, he must leave power and give way to “a head of state in total capacity of his physical and moral means”.
The president of all Gabonese
A design that could take time to come true, as everything suggests that the successor of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, does not intend to abdicate anytime soon, and that he will complete the mandate entrusted to him in 2016 by the Gabonese people at the end of an election – still – challenged by an opposition whose main candidate, Jean Ping, had proclaimed himself President of the Republic.
All in all, in a speech to the nation read on the eve of Independence Day, Ali Bongo Ondimba said that the country has “grown a lot” since its independence in 1960. An opportunity to “we remember that our country is proud and rich in its unity “. Reaffirming his commitment to embody the republican institutions, “I strictly intend to retain it as President of the Republic and guarantor of the nation,” he asserted forcefully, before reassuring that “everyone is entitled to benefit from equitable development opportunities. Indeed, equality of opportunity must apply to individuals as well as to organizations and institutions in the country, regardless of location and level “.
During his address, the third Gabonese president took stock of the achievements of the government especially during the last year, and announced better prospects for his country. He invited his fellow citizens to join him in taking up the challenge of development because “one finger does not wash the face”. And because “one person is not enough to build a nation. I need every one of you to make ours stronger and more prosperous, “said Ali Bongo Ondimba, demonstrating that beyond all that is said about his inability to embody the presidential office he hears more than ever, hold the rudder to the end …
