"LE GABON ENERVANT" OR "ANNOYING GABON"

 

  English version It is important to speak truth to power. Those who watch the video of Gabonese activists speaking truth to Michel Essonghe and Rose-Christiane Ossouka-Raponda, must understand that these activists don't hate anybody; they just want the country to be better run. Speaking truth to power is always unsettling, but it’s how strong leaders and strong countries are built. These activists were only voicing their frustration, fears, hopes and concerns for Gabon, their country. Anyone can normally participate in changing our national conversation about these important issues right now, in the short term, as well as changing our political norms and conventions for the long term in ways that are healthy for most Gabonese and more inclusive. These activists are clear, determined, forthright, strong, unshakable, honest, and driven by what matters most to them: Gabon. To speak truth to power, one has to believe in the value of their opinions. If one is in power, one must

 

    English version This weekend, Michel Essonghe, the boss of the Ceca-Gadis Group, which is one of the largest within Delta Synergy, the holding company of the Bongo family; Rose-Christiane Ossouka-Raponda the Vice-Presidency of the Government; and other influential members of the Ali Bongo regime; met in Washington, members of the Gabonese diaspora. As the images above demonstrate, some members of this diaspora wanted to tell this delegation all the good they thought of their governance of Gabon. This is what happens when a regime does not listen to the people. Eventually, frustrations set in, and the regime creates fires among the population. So, the regime is playing with fire. When a regime thinks that whatever the opinion of public opinion, whatever the opinion of citizens, it can continue to do what it wants, scenes like the ones we saw in Washington become a must.       Version française   Ce weekend, Michel Essonghe le patron du Groupe Ceca-Gadis qui

 

    English version "Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]" 16 April 1963 My Dear Fellow Clergymen: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.   I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues against "outsiders coming in." I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference,