The former deputy of the presidential party CEO has finally taken the plunge and is embarking on the race for the presidency. He had resigned with a bang in front of the head of state, Ali Bongo, in 2016 to join...

On RFI, Gabonese politician Bertrand Zibi Abeghe declares himself a presidential candidate

Bertrand Zibi Abeghe and his lawyers, on July 2, 2019, at the Court of First Instance of Libreville during his trial in Gabon. © RFI/Yves-Laurent Goma

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

The former deputy of the presidential party CEO has finally taken the plunge and is embarking on the race for the presidency. He resigned with a bang in front of the head of state, Ali Bongo, in 2016 to join the opposition led by Jean Ping before being arrested in the midst of the post-election crisis and sentenced to six years in prison for violence, assault and possession of weapons. Released on September 13, 2022, the former elected official had regained his freedom of tone after several months of traveling and consulting, between Gabon and abroad.

Advertising

I decided to introduce myself. I listened and I especially saw the misery in which the Gabonese people are currently languishing." Despite his six years in prison, Bertrand Zibi Abeghe was quickly caught up in the virus of politics. Ally of Jean Ping in 2016, the former MP is therefore embarking on the race, without a spirit of revenge against President Bongo.

I was tortured in my flesh. I have already forgiven Ali Bongo because [he and his clan] cling to power because they are afraid of tomorrow. We guarantee that once Ali Bongo and his clan are defeated, they will not be bothered at all. But we will no longer accept at all that a Gabonese loses his life because he defends his vote, "says the candidate to RFI.

"We will have to keep our egos quiet"

With a one-round election, the opposition will have to agree on a single candidacy. Bertrand Zibi Abeghe has neither party nor political apparatus, but he poses as a unifier. "I would gladly be willing to put myself behind someone, but we will have to keep quiet about our egos and follow where the hearts of the people of Gabon beat," he said.

But, according to him, "everyone should naturally line up behind me, because we have a state of mind of forgiveness." "We can get everyone to sit around a table. On election night, I will convene a national truth and forgiveness conference," Abeghe added.

With this conference, Bertrand Zibi Abeghe wants the writing of a new Constitution, with the adoption of the principle of a two-round election and a limit on the number of mandates. Rigorous governance, actions for youth, construction of schools and roads... Bertrand Zibi Abeghe promises to have a development program and a vision for the country.

On RFI, Gabonese politician Bertrand Zibi Abeghe declares himself a presidential candidate

On RFI, Gabonese politician Bertrand Zibi Abeghe declares himself a presidential candidate

"We will have to keep our egos quiet"

Trends 24h

Latest