26 Feb 2018 | 11:37 PM UTC
Gabon: Judges launch nationwide strike December 13
Judges launch nationwide strike on December 13 against Justice Minister; avoid all protests
Event
Judges in Gabon launched a nationwide strike on Wednesday, December 13, to protest comments made by Justice Minister Francis Nkéa Ndzigue, who had accused the country's judges of corruption. The judges have stated that they intend to continue their strike until Ndzigue resigns. Protests and associated transportation disruptions are possible in the coming days.
Context
On Thursday, December 7, Justice Minister Francis Nkéa Ndzigue accused the country's judges of corruption, stating he had to pay a bribe of CFA 200,000 (USD 360) to a member of the Union of Gabonese judges (Synamag). The allegation has not been substantiated.
Advice
All those present in Gabon are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, which can flare up with little warning.