Former president Bongo of Gabon Acknowledges his “Inadequacies” and Urges eacemaking

The former president demanded that his wife, son Sylvia, and Nourredin Bongo be freed from their “torture” and declared in an open letter that he was quitting politics for ever.

Both were taken into custody and charged after the Bongo dynasty fell.
According to Ali Bongo, they are being used as “scapegoats of a situation that goes beyond their individual being” and have been imprisoned “for crimes for which their guilt has not yet been established.” Reactions to the move have been conflicting. Many people living in Libreville are pessimistic.

“His message isn’t sincere in its core. I see it as deliberate remorse on his part. One comments, “If he were sincere, he would demand the release of those he imprisoned during his presidency.” I feel conflicted; if we react from the heart, things will get really complicated. However, our respect for our Christian faith would require us to extend forgiveness. You see, it’s challenging,” says a second person.

“We pardon him. We are one Gabonese people. In contrast, a third person adds, “I want him to be forgiven so that we may start over.