Gabon’s military government announced on Wednesday that it has lifted a curfew enforced since the August 2023 coup to facilitate holiday celebrations, according to an official statement.
The government lifted the strict nighttime curfew that had been in place since the Bongo dynasty, which was overthrown after controlling the country for 55 years.
During the weekend, authorities detained numerous young demonstrators in Libreville for violating the curfew, with some alleging that they were punished by having their heads shaved.
The junta issued a decree broadcast on national television, instructing the defence and security forces to maintain order and security in line with the law following a “crackdown operation” by police that drew backlash on social media.
The junta had punished a teenager by shaving his head for sharing a viral video considered an “outrage” against coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema. Additionally, young individuals accused of instilling fear in Gabon’s economic capital, Port Gentil and trade unionists at the SEEG utility company faced the same punishment.
While the government had momentarily relaxed the curfew rules, they were tightened again in early October in anticipation of a referendum on a new constitution. This constitution was approved in late November through a referendum, setting the stage for a presidential election scheduled for August 2025.
The heightened restrictions, aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral campaign, led to rising impatience and frustration among some citizens in Gabon and affected various economic sectors.
By rescinding the curfew, “the head of state is allowing all citizens the chance to celebrate the holiday season,” the defence minister said.
Post-referendum, discussions began to revise the electoral law in preparation for the upcoming presidential, parliamentary, and local elections that will mark the end of the transitional period.
The constitution outlines a vision for a strong president with a two-term limit and the absence of a prime minister, alongside a prohibition on dynastic succession of power.
