A surge in crimes against children in Gabon, including the recent revelation of a young boy’s body in Libreville just before christmas, has prompted a swift response from the country’s interim government. Minister of Justice Paul-Marie Gondjout addressed the nation Wednesday outlining new measures to address growing public fears and a reported increase in disappearances. The government’s plan focuses on bolstering both preventative measures and prosecution of those who harm minors, signaling a firm commitment to protecting vulnerable youth.
The Gabonese government has responded to growing public anxiety over a recent surge in crimes against minors, including the death of a young boy found in a septic tank in Libreville just days before Christmas. The case of young Cameron has ignited fears of escalating violence targeting children, fueled by reports of disappearances and persistent rumors.
On Wednesday, December 24, Gabon’s interim Minister of Justice, Paul-Marie Gondjout, addressed the nation, outlining a plan focused on both prevention and prosecution to address the alarming trend. The government’s response comes as concerns mount over the safety of children across the country.
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According to Gondjout, the government is acting “within the framework of strengthening the protection of childhood in the Gabonese Republic” and “in the face of the resurgence of attacks on minors recorded in recent days,” a situation he described as causing “great concern among the national public.” The Ministry of Justice announced a series of awareness campaigns in the Greater Libreville area, aiming to curb the phenomenon and bolster protective mechanisms.
The government’s statement
These missions, Gondjout explained, “are part of the prevention, promotion, protection and prosecution of violations of children’s rights.” They will involve a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice’s Directorate of Social Affairs, Child Protection and Judicial Assistance, as well as magistrates specializing in juvenile cases, judicial police officers, and specialized social workers from child protection services.
Call for Parental Vigilance and Reminder of State Obligation
A key component of the announced plan is the dissemination of the Child Code. The Minister stated that the ministry’s missions aim “to raise public awareness and popularize the Child Code,” which “recommends an inclusive approach by all actors in the child protection system” and “calls for parental and state responsibility towards children,” in the name of “the future of Gabonese youth.”
Gondjout issued “a call to all actors involved in the child protection system to join in” to “strengthen the mechanisms for protecting children.” He also directly addressed families, emphasizing “the importance of redoubling vigilance” and insisting, “children are the future of our country.”
The Minister broadened this call to vigilance, stating, “parents, like the state, have an obligation to them.” As the holiday season approaches, he stressed, “children must be protected during the end-of-year festivities,” calling for increased supervision: “let’s keep our children close to us. Let’s watch over them.”
“The Hand of Justice Will Not Tremble”
On the law enforcement front, the government has taken a firm stance. Paul-Marie Gondjout affirmed that the executive branch “will not tolerate any violation of children’s rights, particularly the right to life.” He promised that “the hand of justice will not tremble in inflicting the most severe penalties” on those who commit acts that harm “the life, physical or moral integrity of children,” referencing the Penal Code.
Expressing “deep indignation” at “the barbarity of such acts,” which he said “greatly disturb public order,” Gondjout also conveyed “sincere condolences and support to the grieving families.” He concluded by emphasizing the collective stake: “it concerns their future and that of our entire society.”
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