Supporters of the late opposition leader André Mba Obame burnt down vehicles and houses after the announcement of his death.
Calm and normal circulation returned to Libreville, the capital of Gabon, Monday, April 13, 2015 following violent and destructive protests of Sunday, April 12, 2015 by supporters of the opposition leader, André Mba Obame whom RFI reported died in Yaounde, Cameroon where he was undergoing medical treatment.
André Mba Obame was the founder of the political party, National Union “Union nationale” (UN) and was minister under the reign of former Gabonese President, Omar Bongo. When the party officials announced his death that reportedly occurred on April 12, its supporters went on the rampage on the streets of the capital, Libreville burning down vehicles, houses among which was the Embassy of Benin as well as other objects. The protesters accused government of having cast a spell that was at the origin of Mba Obame’s sickness and death. Police and other forces of law and order swiftly intervened and the protesters were disperse late at night, reports say.
The Executive Secretary of UN, Zacharie Myboto who announced the death in a press release did not specify its circumstances. Reports however say, the last public appearance of Mba Obame was in June 2013 and further indicated that he looked weak and tired. Zacharie Myboto described the passing away of the 57-year-old André Mba Obame as a great lose to the UN, Gabonese opposition and the entire country and paid respects to the man he said devoted his life to fight for the liberation of Gabon.
In response to the burning down of its Embassy by angry supporters of the opposition, the government of Benin in a release considered the hideous act as inacceptable and of rare gravity in inter-State relations. Stating that the security of diplomatic missions and protection of their staff was the responsibility of the host government, the Beninese authorities requested an official explanation from the Gabonese government. Reports say the Gabonese opposition has been highly critical of Maixent Accrombessi, the Director of Cabinet of the Presidency of Gabon. He is said to be of Benin’s origin.
