In a bold stance against escalating political rhetoric, Deputy Daisy Léance Akinikoussou has forcefully condemned recent attacks targeting the mother of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The outspoken legislator from the Plateaux region issued a statement titled “Enough is enough!”, drawing a clear line between legitimate political criticism and attacks on personal dignity.
For Akinikoussou, the line separating robust debate from personal attacks has been crossed repeatedly. The activist known as Landry Mbeng, or “Lanlaire”, has allegedly directed particularly harsh language against the president’s family. The deputy argues this represents a dangerous erosion of public discourse standards that cannot be justified by any political agenda.
Protecting dignity beyond political boundaries
The Gabonese parliamentarian emphasizes that no public figure’s family members should become targets simply because of their relationship to power. “A mother remains a mother regardless of her child’s position,” she declares, making clear that while the president’s policies may be contested, his mother’s humanity deserves protection.
“Defending the president’s mother isn’t about defending a regime,” she states. “It’s about defending a principle: that no one should face attacks simply because of their familial connections to a public figure.”
Women’s dignity as a non-negotiable principle
As secretary-general of Gabon’s National Network of Women Deputies (RENAFED), Akinikoussou frames this controversy through the lens of women’s rights. She insists that demanding respect for one’s own dignity while participating in the humiliation of others creates an unacceptable contradiction in the fight for gender equality.
“Our commitment to women must be absolute,” she asserts. “We must defend all women, regardless of their political affiliations or personal connections.”
The dangerous precedent of attacking families
The deputy warns that tolerating such attacks establishes a perilous precedent that could affect anyone’s family tomorrow. “Today it’s the president’s mother,” she cautions. “Tomorrow it could be the mother of an opponent, a journalist, an activist, or an ordinary citizen.”
While acknowledging the legitimacy of political opposition to the president’s governance, she insists criticism must remain focused on policies and actions rather than personal relationships.
Restoring dignity to political debate
This intervention comes amid growing concern in Gabonese civil society about the deterioration of online discourse. Akinikoussou’s message cuts to the heart of democratic principles: vigorous debate must never become a vehicle for attacking human dignity.
“In a democracy, we can fiercely oppose ideas and hold leaders accountable,” she states. “But when we make mothers, wives, or relatives targets to harm opponents, we abandon all boundaries in political confrontation.”
The deputy’s statement concludes with an unequivocal call: “Enough!” – demanding a return to discourse that respects the fundamental dignity of every individual, regardless of political affiliation.
