Gabon Roundup: Ali Bongo, IMF scrutiny, Japanese support

Ali Bongo demands release of family

Former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, placed under house arrest following a military coup in August, has refused to go into exile, emphasizing his commitment to staying close to his detained family. Bongo who remains in good health has been deprived of financial freedom and other related reources, GaboNews reports. “The soldiers say that they directed, usurped his signature, but no decision was taken without the approval of Ali who was in full possession of his means despite his physical handicap. He affirms that they did nothing and that he is ready to take his responsibilities,” a close friend of the former president told the media. Bongo demands the release of his family who have been detained in Libreville central prison and to answer for his actions in their place. The former president has since refused an offer from the transitional government to go into exile.

IMF to scrutinise economic situation

Gabon's economic situation will be under scrutiny in January 2024 as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) plans its next mission to the country. Contrary to reports of the suspension of the 3rd review due to payment arrears and a lack of commitment to reforms, the IMF's Resident Representative, Agou Gomez, highlighted the need for a precise assessment of Gabon's economic and financial situation, Gabon Actu reported. “The main thing today is to make a precise assessment of the situation of the country economically and financially…Today the priority of the IMF and Gabon is to provide a precise overview of the economic, social and political situation of the country,” said Agou. The delay in the review is attributed to the electoral period in 2022.

Japanese support for education infrastructure

Gabon has received a grant of 47 million FCFA ($78,000) from Japan for the construction of the Alenakiri public school. The Ambassador of Japan to Gabon, Shuji Noguchi, expressed the Japanese Government's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education, Gabon Media Time has reported. “I would like to reaffirm the commitment of the Japanese Government to support the initiatives of the Transitional Government aimed at improving access to quality education for the well-being of the Gabonese people,” said Noguchi. The funds will contribute to enhancing learning conditions for children in Alenakiri.

Transitional government unfreezes recruitment

The transitional government has issued a decree lifting the freeze on recruitment, examinations, tenure, advancement, internships, and reclassifications in the Civil Service. The decision aims to address unemployment concerns, particularly among the youth, GaboNews reports. “Recruitment, examinations and competitions, tenure, advancement, internships and reclassifications are reopened in accordance with the legislative and regulatory texts in force.” Gabon, with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa, looks to open opportunities and reduce joblessness through this policy change.

Gabon makes representation at COP28

The transitional president of Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema has made bold statements on behalf of his people at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) regarding the fight against climate change. In his address on December 1, Nguema underscored Gabon's pivotal role in the global fight against climate change, Gabon Review reports. "Let me speak about Gabon, a country that constitutes 11% of the Congo Basin, boasts an 88% forest cover, and holds a vital position in global climate action…preserving this extensive lung of the planet comes at a cost for Gabon and its people. My people aspire to continue safeguarding their biodiverse forests. But what do they receive in return? Certificates of good conduct? Unfortunately, certificates don't feed them!...It, therefore, appears imperative to me to acknowledge and reward the crucial role played by Gabon's forests in preserving biodiversity, sequestering CO2, and safeguarding ecosystems," General Brice Oligui Nguema told the international community.