Political leaders condemn offensive remarks against Gabon’s President

Political party leaders during their press briefing on August 12 in Libreville

Leaders unite against personal attacks on public figures

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a coalition of political leaders gathered in Libreville to denounce recent offensive language targeting President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema by a segment of the Gabonese diaspora based in Europe. The statement, delivered jointly by prominent figures in the country’s political landscape, condemned the use of insults and personal attacks as unacceptable in public discourse.

Respect must guide political debate, leaders insist

David Mbadinga, president of the Union des patriotes gabonais loyalistes (UPGL) and spokesperson for the collective, emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity in political discussions. « Political opposition does not require insulting a President’s mother, » he declared, stressing that such behavior undermines the nation’s reputation and reflects poorly on its citizens.

Joining Mbadinga were Florentin Moussavou of the Conscience et action citoyenne (CAC) party and Paskhal Nkoulou of the Bloc démocratique populaire (BDP), who echoed his concerns. The trio highlighted how personal attacks, particularly those aimed at the President’s family, damage Gabon’s image and set a harmful precedent for democratic engagement.

A call for national cohesion ahead of August celebrations

The political leaders also issued a plea for calm, urging restraint during August—a month traditionally dedicated to national pride and unity. They called on all Gabonese citizens to uphold the values of peace, cohesion, and respect when expressing political views, warning against the erosion of civility in public debates.

Viral insults spark outcry from Gabonese officials

Among the incidents prompting the statement was a series of widely circulated videos featuring Gabonese activist Landry Mbeng, known as « Lanlaire », based in Switzerland. In these clips, he made harsh criticisms of President Oligui Nguema, his mother, and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema, drawing sharp condemnation from the political class for crossing the line into gratuitous insults.

The collective of leaders reiterated that while political dissent is a cornerstone of democracy, it must never devolve into personal vilification. Their message was clear: Gabon’s democracy deserves better than invective and disrespect.