Gabon: Tabaski festivities go on despite political tensions

The current post-election stalemate in Gabon has not prevented the country’s Muslim community from celebrating the Tabaski festivities.

On the eve of the feast, the livestock markets were abuzz with activity, that was marked by intense purchases as people prepared to mark the holiday.

Despite the political tensions in the country, the sharing spirit was effectively evident as recommended by the five pillars of Islam.

“If you slaughter a sheep, you are not supposed to keep it alone at your home. We share with people that do not have the ability to pay, so you have to share from right to the left. This feast is not in any way affected by politics, it does not concern politics, it’s part of the pillars of Islam,” says Abdul Rauf, a Gabonese Muslim.

These celebrations come at a time when several countries have called for peace restoration in Gabon, which has been shaken by post-election violence after Ali Bongo was declared the winner of the August 27 presidential elections.