Ali Bongo Ondimba who was deposed in a coup in August last year has addressed Gabonese.
In an open letter, the former president announced his decision to definitely quit politics and called for the liberation of his wife, and his son Sylvia and Nourredin Bongo and the end of their ‘torture’.
Both have been detained and indicted following the fall of the Bongo dynasty.
Ali Bongo judges that they have been imprisonned ‘for crimes for which their guilt has yet to be established and have become scapegoats of a situation that goes beyond their individual being’
In the letter circulated in the media, Bongo admits ‘inadequacies on the social and institutional level’ during his terms, saying he is the ‘sole responsible’.
He finally calls for ‘national reconciliation’.
The move has drowned mixed reactions. In Libreville, many residents are sceptic.
‘The substance of his message is not genuine. To me, it’s as his regret is calculated. If he were truly sincere, he would ask for the liberation of people he jailed
while president,’ one says.
‘I have mixed feelings, if we respond with the heart, it will be very complicated. yet, our reverence of our christian faith would ask for us to forgive. You see, it is diffucult,’ another one adds.
‘We forgive him. In Gabon, we are united. I would like for him to be forgiven so that we can start afresh,’ a third says in contrast.
‘Most Gabonese question the former president’s sincerity and intentions. They ask: why is he only interested in the fate of his jailed wife and son. What about members of the group known as the Young Team who gravitated around Slvia and are also in jail? Or what about the Gabonese perceived to be political prisoners jailed under Bongo?’.
Source: Voice of Nigeria