Moreover, “the defense and security forces are called upon to ensure order and security while respecting the rule of law”in this decree read on public television three days after a “punch operation” of the national gendarmerie widely criticized on social networks.
Several dozen young people were arrested during the night from Saturday to Sunday in Libreville during this operation, some complaining of having also been shorn for having violated the curfew. Tonsure has been imposed several times since the putsch, on a teenager author of a viral video considered to be a “outrage” to the head of state, to groups of young people accused of having “sowed fear” in Port Gentil, the economic capital, and to trade unionists from the water and electricity company SEEG who had called a strike over salary issues.
Lightened for a few months, the curfew was reinforced at the beginning of October before the launch of the electoral campaign for the referendum on the new Constitution, which was then widely acclaimed by voters. This planned reinforcement “during the entire period of the electoral process” had fueled the impatience of fans of late releases, with an economic impact in certain sectors.
By lifting the curfew, “the Head of State wants to offer the opportunity to all of his fellow citizens to celebrate the end of year holidays”according to the decree signed by the Minister of Defense. “This measure also marks the constant concern of the Head of State to support economic operators in all sectors”states the text.
The adoption of the new Constitution, in mid-November, was followed by the opening of consultations for a revision of the electoral code, with a view to the presidential, legislative and local elections scheduled for 2025 to close the transition period born from the overthrow of the Bongo dynasty, August 30, 2023. General Oligui has promised to return power to civilians but does not hide his presidential ambitions.
