Gabon: Demonstration expected on January 7 against the modification of article 28 of the Constitution

A spontaneous mobilization, initiated by Steeve Ilahou and supported by Gabon 2025, is announced against the modification of article 28 of the Gabonese Constitution, which removes the duty of citizens to defend public property and national heritage.

A call for mobilization in the face of a contested Constitution

Gabon is preparing to experience a new wave of protests. Steeve Ilahou , president of the Gabon en Action platform, launched a call for mobilization on Tuesday, January 7 at 11 a.m. , in front of the Constitutional Court and the Presidency . The initiative is also followed by the Gabon 2025 collective, which denounces a new attack on citizens' rights.

The cause: the removal of the duty to defend national heritage and public property in article 28 of the new Constitution, recently promulgated by General Brice Oligui Nguema .

The organizers denounce an act that, according to them, takes away citizens' right and responsibility to protect their country . A change seen as an attempt to weaken the people's attachment to their resources and territory.

Article 28: A deletion with serious consequences

In the version submitted to the referendum, Article 28 stipulated that every citizen had the duty to respect and defend public property and national heritage . In the final text, this obligation has disappeared, leaving only the mention of the preservation of the environment .

This change is not insignificant. It weakens collective responsibility for public infrastructure, and some fear that it opens the way to privatization or abusive appropriation of national resources.

A growing climate of distrust

This mobilization comes at a time when the new Constitution is already the subject of lively protests . Several articles were modified after the referendum, without popular consultation , fueling a feeling of betrayal among the population.

Furthermore, this movement is taking place in a context of growing economic and social crisis :

• Late payments by civil servants ,
• Deterioration of public services ,
• Scandal surrounding the Gabon Energy and Water Company (SEEG) ,
• Repeated power and water cuts .

Faced with these difficulties, the removal of a principle of protection of national heritage is seen as a further signal of the disengagement of the State and the weakening of the role of the citizen in the management of the country.

A turning point for citizen mobilization?

The call to demonstrate in front of the symbols of power could mark a turning point in the protest against the Oligui Nguema regime. After criticism of economic management and the many unfulfilled promises, the protest is taking on a more symbolic dimension : the defense of national identity and the right of citizens to protect their own country.

It remains to be seen whether this spontaneous mobilisation will turn into a grassroots movement and whether the government will choose the path of dialogue or repression in the face of a protest that continues to grow.