“Here, no problem for the Beninese,” on a visit to Gabon, Alain Kenneth debunks the rumors
While social networks were buzzing with tensions between Beninese and Gabonese following the ban on small trades for foreigners, Beninese TikToker Alain Kenneth chose to travel to Gabon from September 10 to 16, 2025 to see the situation for himself. His immersion revealed a very different reality, far from the alarmist narratives spread online.
SUMMARY
Upon his arrival in Libreville, the content creator stressed the warm welcome he received. « Gabonese women prepared my breakfast, I ate well as if I were at home. Contrary to what I’ve seen on social networks, foreigners have no problems here », he said in a video.
Far from a climate of tension, he describes a peaceful daily life. « I live very well here in Gabon. My passport was found, security still exists here. », he reassured.
To support his remarks, Alain Kenneth held multiple meetings, notably with a Gabonese citizen who wanted to clear up misunderstandings.
« First, you are our brothers. Gabon is your country too. We are not xenophobic », he said, before adding that « Conflicts exist everywhere, but we must not forget that we are a family. Social networks amplify things. »
Matching accounts
Among Beninese living in Gabon, the accounts are the same. A Beninese wholesaler encountered on site confirmed there is no systematic harassment against them.
« Even when they started the evictions, they didn’t touch us. The mayor directed us to new spots at the market. The real problems come from our own compatriots, not from the Gabonese », she explains.
According to her, the difficulties encountered are mainly financial. « Taking a shop as a wholesaler means investing all my savings of 5 to 10 years. It’s not easy, but it’s not a question of conflict with the Gabonese. », the Beninese woman lamented. For her, « if a Beninese is in prison here, it’s often because of another Beninese, not because of a Gabonese. »
A reality different from the rumors
While walking the streets of Libreville, from the golf school to working-class neighborhoods, Alain Kenneth highlighted the prevailing serenity. « No one attacked me. We even shared the same taxi with Gabonese people. The country is beautiful, come visit », he urged.
His immersion, documented with videos and testimonies, highlights the gap between the tensions reported on social media and the peaceful coexistence observed on the ground.
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