Ousna Sabé has expressed strong solidarity with Samantha Olivia Imanga, a former employee of Mercure Logistique, after Imanga publicly denounced her abusive dismissal. Imanga claimed her termination occurred following her rejection of advances from the company's technical director, sharing her account in a video on social media. Madame Ousna Sabé reacted with strong solidarity and expressed unwavering support for Samantha Olivia Imanga, taking a firm stance on the matter.
Madame Ousna Sabé condemned the alleged injustice, stating, "Keeping silent in the face of injustice is not a solution. It never has been and never will be. On the contrary, by remaining silent, you become accomplices to your own mistreatment." Sabé urged victims of injustice to speak out, noting, "If you think that by staying silent you will be spared, that is false. When you suffer injustice in your workplace, in your family, in your places of worship or in associations, learn to speak up and denounce." She added, "What she is denouncing is serious, extremely serious." Sabé's passionate appeal shows her belief that silence perpetuates cycles of abuse and that collective action is essential for change.
Broader Call Against Injustice
Ousna Sabé called on all Central Africans to break the silence against repeated injustices in the workplace. Sabé specifically noted injustices inflicted by some Lebanese employers, urging individuals to come forward with their experiences. She also criticized the common practice of immediately labeling whistleblowers as political opponents or enemies of peace, suggesting that such tactics are used to silence legitimate complaints and divert attention from the core issues at hand. This practice, according to Sabé, creates an environment of fear that discourages victims from seeking redress or exposing wrongdoing.
Sabé further condemned those who discourage whistleblowers by telling them they risk losing their jobs, emphasizing that such warnings contribute to a culture of silence. She posits that these threats, often veiled as cautionary advice, serve to protect perpetrators rather than support victims. This reaction from Sabé occurs within a broader context where multiple voices are rising to protest working conditions in companies managed by Lebanese employers across the Central African Republic. The growing public discourse reflects increasing scrutiny over employment practices in these establishments, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability from various sectors of society. This collective outcry indicates a shift in public tolerance towards workplace misconduct and a growing demand for justice.
Personal Experience Shared
Ousna Sabé disclosed her personal history of mistreatment by Lebanese employers, detailing nearly 15 years marked by repeated abusive dismissals. Sabé stated her experiences included moral, psychological, and physical abuse during this period. Her public remarks on these matters align with her broader call for individuals to speak out against workplace injustices, lending significant personal weight to her advocacy. By sharing her own difficult journey, Sabé aims to demonstrate the widespread nature of such abuses and to encourage others to find their voice, assuring them they are not alone in their struggles. Her testimony serves as a powerful example of the long-term impact of workplace mistreatment and the courage required to confront it.
Urging Action and Support
Ousna Sabé encouraged victims of injustice to speak out, stating that such actions would enable collective support and help address their grievances. Sabé emphasized that by raising their voices, individuals could create an environment where others could rally behind them, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in the fight against injustice. She specifically called upon women jurists, the labor inspection department, and organizations dedicated to protecting workers' rights to assist those who lack personal connections or influence. Sabé urged these entities to extend their support to vulnerable employees, ensuring they receive due process and protection against unfair labor practices. Her appeal notes a perceived gap in support for workers who may feel isolated or unable to challenge workplace injustices on their own, emphasizing the need for institutional backing to empower those who have been wronged. Sabé's message is a clear call for a united front against workplace abuses, stressing that justice can only be achieved when victims are supported and perpetrators are held accountable.