🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
ARISE Foundation and partners engage Gabonese youth on climate awareness for World Environment Day
via Gabon Review2 min read
On June 5, 2026, the ARISE Foundation, Deloitte in Gabon, and Gabon Special Economic Zone GSEZ organized an "Impact Day: Climate Awareness, Youth at the Heart of Action" event at the Léon-Mba National High School in Libreville. This initiative, held for World Environment Day, aimed to educate students on climate and environmental issues. Greryque Pruda Dindzouna épouse Olongo Massamba, the censor of school life at Léon-Mba National High School, highlighted the event as a significant opportunity for students to learn about environmental topics crucial for their academic and professional futures. Sophia Bennaceur, Senior Manager at Deloitte in Gabon and Impact Day coordinator, emphasized the importance of supporting the local ecosystem and reaching out to young people who may have fewer resources than those in private institutions. She also praised the existence of a Climate Club at Léon-Mba High School. The "Climate Awareness" program, launched last year by the ARISE Foundation and GSEZ, is an educational initiative for secondary school students, which began in Ntoum and has now expanded to Libreville, having already reached nearly 300 students. Gaurav Aggarwal, Director General of GSEZ, encouraged the youth to take action, stating that Gabon's natural heritage depends on current choices and the commitment of future generations. The day concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to the students.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
Must ReadFormer Prime Minister and president of Ensemble pour le Gabon EPG, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, has been detained for 52 days at the Libreville prison under conditions described as particularly trying by his lawyer, Me Thierry Nguia. Speaking in Libreville on June 5, Me Nguia stated that while Bilie-By-Nze is "very courageous" and has "steel morale," his general state of health is causing increasing concern. The lawyer reported that Bilie-By-Nze is held in a "blind cell," meaning he cannot distinguish between day and night, leading to "total sedentarization" which could affect his physical and mental health. Me Nguia emphasized that prisoners have rights, including the right to exercise and walks, which are reportedly not being respected, despite Gabon's international commitments. Beyond the detention conditions, the legal procedure itself is contested. Me Nguia highlighted that after 52 days, his client has not been heard, questioning the basis of the case, which he claims involves 5 million CFA francs and relates to a prescribed matter. The defense argues that the detention stems from an investigation into alleged breach of trust and fraud from 2008, which they consider prescribed and legally weak. On June 3, the Libreville Court of Appeal rejected a nullification request filed by the former Prime Minister's lawyers, thus prolonging his incarceration. Me Nguia called for a return to proper legal procedure, warning that while Bilie-By-Nze is holding up, the situation should no
Must ReadThe Rally for the Homeland and Modernity RPM has expressed surprise at the form and tone of Ali Bongo's recent statement, which was a response to an interview given by Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on France24. In a communiqué published on June 4, the RPM stated it was astonished by the communiqué issued on June 3, 2026, in Ali Bongo Ondimba's name via a proxy and spokesperson. The party, whose interim presidency is held by Jean-Robert Goulongana, found it surprising that the former President, who is reportedly in full mental faculties, would need an intermediary to respond to the Head of State. The RPM questioned the significance of this approach, especially since Ali Bongo claims to be fully capable of speaking for himself. The party also expressed astonishment at the "particularly aggressive tone" used by the former Head of State towards Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, noting that the latter ensured Ali Bongo's security after the events of August 30, 2023. The RPM highlighted that Ali Bongo Ondimba and his family officially left Gabon for humanitarian reasons, with the option to return freely. However, the party criticized his political record, describing his governance as having led the country into political, economic, and social deadlock, ultimately precipitating his downfall. The RPM believes Ali Bongo is more concerned with rewriting his legacy than with introspection. Recalling the former President's statements that he no longer wished to seek the votes of Gabonese citi
A financial scandal involving alleged overbilling of treasury bonds, totaling over 560 million FCFA, has been uncovered at Gabon's Ministry of National Education. Judicial Police services have arrested approximately twenty agents from the Central Directorate of Financial Affairs DCAF in connection with the investigation. The alleged fraud came to light following an audit initiated after recent strikes in the education sector. Investigations into disbursements for temporary assignments reportedly revealed significant irregularities in public fund management. The arrested agents, part of a department with over sixty employees, deny direct responsibility for establishing the fraudulent mechanism. They claim to have been mere executors of financial operations validated by their superiors, stating they are neither authorizing officers nor credit administrators. The accused also argue that funds withdrawn for temporary assignments were often used to finance unforeseen or unbudgeted administrative needs. This case highlights internal control weaknesses within public administrations, particularly as teachers' demands regarding working conditions and payment of certain services persist. The investigation is ongoing to determine individual responsibilities and the potential involvement of other actors in the financial chain. The arrested individuals are expected to appear before the public prosecutor in the coming days. If confirmed, this case could represent one of the most significan
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has agreed to Gabon hosting the World Health Organization's Africa Health Committee meeting in August 2027. This decision followed a request from the new WHO Resident Representative in Gabon, Dr. Xavier Crespin, during an audience at the presidential palace on June 4. The meeting also marked Dr. Crespin's official assumption of duties and reaffirmed the WHO's commitment to supporting Gabon's health policy implementation. The organization of this continental meeting in Gabon signals the WHO's confidence in the Gabonese authorities. Dr. Crespin noted that recent progress in the health sector has strengthened the country's credibility with international technical and financial partners. He specifically praised advancements since the advent of the 5th Republic, including strengthening the health system, modernizing hospital infrastructure, improving healthcare services, and social initiatives to bring health services closer to the population. Dr. Crespin believes these reforms demonstrate a strong political will to make health a key driver of human development and improved living conditions for citizens. President Oligui Nguema reiterated his vision for a modern, efficient, and accessible healthcare system for all. He expressed his intention to continue investments in health infrastructure in Libreville and throughout the country, strengthen medical personnel training, improve sector governance, and further develop local healthcare. The meet