The Union démocratique des bâtisseurs (UDB), Gabon's ruling party, has weighed in on the "Biens mal acquis" case, currently under judicial review in Paris. In a statement, the party, led by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, expressed its desire to contribute to public understanding of the case. According to Alexandre Awassi, national strategic advisor, the goal is to enable citizens to distinguish between judicial facts, institutional responsibilities, and surrounding political considerations.
Awassi emphasized that the current procedure was not initiated by President Oligui Nguema's administration. He noted that under the previous regime, Gabon had already taken a similar stance, which was accepted by the Paris Court of Appeal on March 14, 2023. The UDB stresses the need to separate state responsibilities from partisan, familial, or other contingent considerations.
The party asserts that Gabon's participation in the case as a civil party is logical, aimed at preserving the nation's capacity to assert its rights and defend its patrimonial interests before French justice. Awassi stated that the nation's supreme interest should be the primary consideration. The UDB reiterated its support for President Oligui Nguema and urged that the case not become a tool for political score-settling or national division.
This statement from the ruling party follows a notable declaration by the former ruling party, the Parti démocratique gabonais (PDG). PDG's secretary-general, Angélique Ngoma, called for respect for the memory of the party's late president-founder, Omar Bongo Ondimba. PDG's current president, Blaise Louembe, emphasized the need for calm during the ongoing judicial procedure in France.
The "Biens mal acquis" case has garnered significant attention in Gabon, with various stakeholders weighing in on the matter. The UDB's statement aims to provide clarity and promote a nuanced understanding of the case. By recontextualizing the procedure within its historical and juridical framework, the party seeks to promote a more informed public discourse.
The case has implications for Gabon's diplomatic relationships, particularly with France. The country's foreign minister, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny, recently addressed the United Nations, reaffirming Gabon's diplomatic stance. The UDB's statement underscores the importance of prioritizing national interests and upholding the rule of law.
As the case continues to unfold, the UDB's call for caution and respect for the law has resonated with various stakeholders. The party's emphasis on distinguishing between judicial facts, institutional responsibilities, and political considerations aims to promote a more constructive and informed public debate.
Key points
- The UDB urges calm and respect for the law in the "Biens mal acquis" case.
- The party emphasizes the need to distinguish between judicial facts, institutional responsibilities, and surrounding political considerations.
- Gabon's participation in the case as a civil party aims to preserve national interests and uphold the rule of law.
