Gabon authorities order medical evacuation for brigadier after viral plea

Gabonese police brigadier Christian Rodrigue Assogo has been granted medical evacuation following a viral video in which he pleaded for help from President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema.

Assogo, who has been stationed in Haut-Ogooué since 2021, reported that his salary and bonuses had been suspended since July. He stated that the lack of funds left him unable to afford medical treatment for severe infections on his feet. In the video, Assogo described his living conditions as a “hell” and showed visible, infected wounds on his legs.

In response to the public outcry generated by the video, authorities have dispatched a medical team to facilitate his sanitary evacuation so he can receive appropriate care. The incident has prompted discussions regarding the welfare and medical support provided to uniformed personnel in vulnerable situations.