Gabon: magistrates call for greater freedom

As new signs of tension emerge ahead of the presidential elections in Gabon, the Union of Magistrates has joined ranks with those calling for a greater freedom.

The group is calling for the reform of the organization of a Higher Council of the judiciary in order to make the justice system more independent.

“To this day, we tell you that the Higher Council of the judiciary, the supreme body of the justice system, is strongly affected by the presence of policies, for this reason we want a review of the Constitution,” said Justin Loundou deputy president of magistrate Union.

The magistrates expressed anger in the presence of the Dynamic Union whose members were arrested last weekend while holding a counter-demonstration near a large gathering organized by the supporters of President Ali Bongo.

“They were simply arrested because there is only a single camp that can demonstrate in our country. All those who are with President Ali may undertake any event, but when it comes to protests by trade union organizations, NGOS or opposition political parties, demonstrations are prohibited,” said Louis Patrick Mombo, a member of the union.

The candidature of President Bongo for the August 27 election has generated wide tensions in Gabon while opposition parties have accused him of not fulfilling the criteria of nationality required to be elected as head of State.

Former African Union Commission chief Jean Ping and former Gabon Prime Minister Raymond Sima have also announced their intention to run for the presidential election.