We’ve “the opportunity to write a new history”: Gabon’s Catholic Bishops on Imminent Presidential Poll, Emphasize Peace

They call on the “sense of responsibility of each citizen”, adding that all “Gabonese citizens must act with integrity and wisdom in exercising their democratic rights.”

Referring to Pope Benedict XVI, they note that elections are a “place of expression of the political choice of a people and are a sign of the legitimacy of the exercise of power.”

Elections, CEG members say, “represent a privileged moment for a public, healthy and serene political debate, characterized by the respect of different opinions and various political groups.”

“It is therefore imperative that this election, which opens the way, a common future and a harmonious living together, be the crux of the truth, justice, and peace. It must finally be that of human dignity, respect for the rights of citizens, and transparency,” they emphasize. 

Gabon’s Catholic Bishops reiterate their call for peace, saying, “Faithful to our electoral duty, we want in this electoral period to accompany you through this message to trace the ways of a transparent election lived in truth and in view of the establishment of a lasting peace in our country.”

The April 12 presidential poll is to be the first in the country since the “Bongo dynasty” was overthrown in the 2023 military coup after 56 years of rule.

In August 2023, military officers in Gabon declared a takeover of power, following the announcement that President Ali Bongo had won the country’s presidential election.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, designated as the leader of the transition, was officially sworn in in September 2023 at the presidential palace in Libreville.

In March, General Nguema announced his decision to run as a candidate during the presidential election.

In their April 5 statement, CEG members note that every person’s vote “must be respected and that transparency in the electoral process is a non-negotiable foundation of human dignity and the rule of law.”

“Transparency in the organization of elections is therefore a fundamental principle to avoid any manipulation of the results. The social doctrine of the Church recalls that the respect for the dignity of the human person is at the heart of political life,” they add.

The Catholic Bishops go on to underscore the importance of truth during the electoral process, saying, “In an election, it manifests itself by fidelity to the will of the people. Truth must never be sacrificed for the benefit of individual or political interests.”

Truth, they emphasize, “must guide our actions and guarantee their fidelity to the will of the people without the slightest alteration.” They call for reconciliation and the construction of a new Gabon.”

They also call upon all citizens, candidates, authorities, law enforcement, non-citizens, and friends of Gabon to “adopt a peaceful, respectful and fraternal attitude throughout this electoral process.”

CEG members also exhort Gabonese to foster the “love of your country and your people. If you allow yourself to be guided by this love, you will contribute to the construction of the city of God to which the human family tends.”

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They call on the electorate to fulfill their duty as voters with “seriousness, prudence, and honor in the concern for the common good and the future of our nation.”

“We remind you that any democracy involves a citizen commitment, hence the need for all compatriots to participate in the elections, especially those who will designate the future leader of our country,” CEG members say.

They urge Christians to “exercise their rights and duties of vote without giving in to indifference dictated by despair or certain prejudices, but animated by hope that does not disappoint.”

“May Gabon be an example for the world. Our nation is at a decisive turning point in its history. On April 12, we must show the world that Gabon is capable of organizing a free, just, and peaceful election and that it can be a model for Africa and the world,” CEG members say.

The presidential poll, they continue, “will also be an opportunity to affirm our aspiration for reconstruction, national unity, and true reconciliation. By truly uniting our forces for the triumph of justice, truth, and peace, we will demonstrate that this transition has been a success, and that Gabon can enter a new era of true democracy in the service of the common good.”

“May God and our blessed ancestors bless Gabon and all its inhabitants. May the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, guide us all towards a just, peaceful, and hopeful election,” CEG members implore in their message issued on April 5.