The Movement for the Grandeur of Gabon (MGG), led by President Christian Mermance N’nang Nsome, has issued a public statement urging the immediate liberation of Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nzé, the former Prime Minister and current head of the opposition party Ensemble Pour le Gabon (EPG). Bilie-By-Nzé has been held at Libreville Central Prison since April 2026, facing accusations of alleged fraud amounting to five million Francs CFA. The MGG positions itself as a steadfast supporter of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma while simultaneously championing the rights and interests of the Gabonese populace.
The MGG and its President underscore that this plea is rooted in the imperative to uphold justice and safeguard the democratic advancements secured through considerable sacrifices. They highlight that these gains, achieved by 102 political entities, are now potentially jeopardized, with some parties reportedly facing dissolution under the nation’s revised legislation concerning political organizations.
“My initiative is not about defending an individual; rather, it’s about doing what I expected from Gabon’s political class, civil society, and press when I was unlawfully and unjustly confined at Libreville Central Prison for nearly seven months,” stated MGG President Christian Mermance N’nang Nsome. He affirmed his refusal to adopt the role of a ‘yes-man’ or ‘kounabéliste,’ despite his declared allegiance to the Head of State.
Driven by this clear perspective and a deep nationalistic commitment, and trusting in the integrity of Gabonese justice, Christian Mermance N’nang Nsome implores the judiciary to exercise its responsibility in the Bilie-By-Nzé affair. He calls upon magistrates to apply the law impartially, just as they did during his own period of incarceration.
“My imprisonment inflicted terrible material losses upon my life and the lives of my loved ones. Furthermore, my health has been quite fragile since my release. Yet, this seems to be of little concern to those who believe they can arbitrarily control the lives of others, without remorse or accountability,” he lamented.
Despite potential repercussions such as ostracism and other negative reactions in a climate of political uncertainty, where freedom of expression and opinion are increasingly equated with disturbing public order, the MGG President declared his steadfast refusal to remain silent. He believes silence would render him complicit before both God and history. “Yesterday, it was me; today, it’s Bilie-By-Nzé; who will it be tomorrow?” Christian Mermance N’nang Nsome cautioned.