🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabonese writer Janis Otsiémi addresses Emmanuel Macron in Le Monde regarding freedom of expression in Gabon
via Gabon Review9 min read
Gabonese writer Janis Otsiémi published an open letter in the French newspaper Le Monde, addressing French President Emmanuel Macron on the eve of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's state visit to Paris. In his letter, Otsiémi criticizes the "climate of fear and intimidation" and the shrinking freedom of expression in Gabon. He highlights the detention of former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, calling it a "hostage-taking." Otsiémi argues that the charges against Bilie-By-Nze, stemming from 2008, are time-barred since 2011, and suggests his detention is a consequence of his criticism of social media suspension and a nationality code reform. The writer reminds Macron of his November 2025 statement on a "new era founded on renewal, inclusivity, and plurality of opinions" in Gabon, contrasting it with the current situation. He asserts that economic interests have blinded Macron to human rights and freedom of expression issues in Gabon, warning that suppressing free speech is a step towards authoritarianism. Otsiémi also points out the suspension of social networks and the imprisonment of journalists, union leaders, and politicians for their views. He concludes by questioning who will guarantee his freedom of expression after publicly addressing this correspondence.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
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