Following the swift ousting of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo by a military junta, doubts have been raised about the effectiveness of Bongo’s international appeal for support. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament representing the North Tongu constituency, has brought attention to Bongo’s recent actions that seem to contradict his call for assistance.
Ablakwa’s criticism stems from the fact that shortly before his removal from office, Bongo had undertaken measures that included the shutdown of internet services and the banning of several critical media outlets, such as RFI, TV Monde, and France 24. These actions have ignited skepticism about the viability of Bongo’s plea for international backing, as effective outcry and noise require unimpeded access to information and communication platforms, including the internet and media channels.
In a tweet posted on August 30, 2023, Ablakwa articulated his concerns, stating, “Gabon’s Ali Bongo who is calling for noise appears to have forgotten that a few days ago he shut down the internet & banned critical media such as RFI, TV Monde & France 24. How can noise make an impact without media & internet? True Democracy benefits both rulers & the ruled.”
In the aftermath of the coup that led to his removal, former President Ali Bongo released a video message in which he appealed for international intervention. The message was disseminated through social media via a 51-second video clip, where Bongo can be seen speaking from an undisclosed location within the presidential palace.
Expressing urgency, Bongo implored his international allies to “make noise” in protest against his arrest, which had taken place in the early hours of Wednesday, August 30. Bongo’s plea was accompanied by his acknowledgment that he is currently isolated within the palace, with his wife detained separately, and his son apprehended by the junta.
As the situation unfolds in Gabon, questions linger over the practical impact of Bongo’s call for support in the face of media censorship and internet shutdowns, leaving observers to weigh the potential outcomes of international responses against the backdrop of restricted information flow.