Tensions have been palpable between Beninese and Gabonese in recent weeks. Internet users from both countries have exchanged discourteous comments online regarding the controversy surrounding Beninese traders established in Gabon. Indeed, Gabonese authorities have decided to prioritize locals when allocating space in new markets. This has led to violent disputes between Gabonese and Beninese, particularly in the Lambaréné market (central-west of the country).

This did not please Beninese Internet users at all, who took to the web to defend their own.

"The particularity of Gabon is that 1/3 of the population is non-Gabonese"

Previously, Beninese authorities issued a statement expressing concern for the safety of their compatriots living in the Central African country. They said they had heard of threats and acts of intimidation against them, particularly in the famous market in Lambaréné province.

Benin Vice President Mariama Chabi Talata took advantage of her participation in the Tokyo International Conference on Displacement (TICAD) to meet with Gabonese Foreign Minister Michel Régis Onanga Ndiaye. The discussions focused on the controversy surrounding the situation of Beninese nationals in Gabon.

According to the head of Gabonese diplomacy, this was an isolated incident amplified by social networks.

"Gabon has 2.5 million inhabitants. Benin has 14 million. Gabon's unique feature is that 1/3 of the population is non-Gabonese. This means that this population has a significant impact on the socio-economic development of our country... There was an unfortunate incident in recent days. Since August 30, we have been in the process of economic reconstruction of our country. We built about twenty new modern markets. From then on, there were redistributions of places,... people are bickering. And so there was an isolated incident in Lambaréné, which is one of our crossroads towns. An incident without violence. These were verbal exchanges, but they were unfortunately amplified, especially through social media," Mr. Ndiaye lamented.

"No community was targeted. We have no problem with Benin."

He believes that people have taken advantage of the Lambaréné incident to make it a Gabonese-Beninese affair, whereas "at the market, all communities are represented: Senegalese, Malians, Ivorians, everyone is represented. Why only the Beninese? That is the debate," declared the minister.

For him, Gabon has simply taken "sovereign measures," but "non-discriminatory ones." It is "simply opting for national preference" and nothing more. "No community has been targeted. We have no problem with Benin," he added.

“They are your brothers, you must, like us, look after their well-being.”

The Vice President of Benin, for her part, called on Gabon to ensure the protection of Beninese nationals living in the Central African country. "What concerns us is the safety and well-being of the Beninese people there. We are concerned about them, just as you too may be concerned about the safety and well-being of the Gabonese people who are among us, even if they are in tiny numbers. I come to you to plead their case. To tell you that they are your brothers and that you, like us, must look after their well-being. We have no interest in opposing them," declared Ms. Chabi Talata.