Jocelyn Louis Ngoma condemns comments about Gabonese people
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Gabonclic
Jocelyn Louis Ngoma has condemned comments by Gabonese activist Bienvenue Nziengui Ntoutoume, known as “Chocolat des filles”, who described Gabonese people as lazy compared with foreigners. His response comes amid renewed debate following figures announced for the 2026 census, according to Gabonclic.
Jocelyn Louis Ngoma condemned comments made on 25 October on Facebook by Gabonese activist Bienvenue Nziengui Ntoutoume, known as “Chocolat des filles”, who had described Gabonese people as lazy compared with foreigners living in the country, Gabonclic reports. Ngoma said the generalisation was stigmatising and challenged its basis in scientific evidence.
He also criticised working conditions for some workers, citing precarious jobs without social protection, undeclared work and the exploitation of vulnerable labour. “Since when has Gabonese people’s refusal to be exploited like slaves become proof of laziness?” he wrote.
The controversy comes as public debate about immigration in Gabon has been revived by the figure of 34% foreigners announced in connection with the 2026 census. Social media, recently reopened after nine months of restrictions, are at the centre of these exchanges about nationals’ place in the economy.
