🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Damas Aléka Monument: Memorandum implicates presidential palace in project delays and contractual irregularities
via Gabon Review6 min read
A memorandum from the Gabonese Order of Architects OGA, dated July 6, 2026, challenges the official narrative regarding delays and issues with the Georges Damas Aléka monument project in Libreville. The document, authored by Thierry N'Gomo, Past-President of the OGA, suggests that presidential directives and financial decisions from the state are largely responsible for the project's problems, rather than solely the architect, Erick Mauro Nguémah. The memorandum details several issues: a budget cut from 10.7 billion to 8 billion francs by the head of state, a compressed timeline from 14 to 10 months, an enlargement of the corniche by 50 meters ordered by the head of state, and the imposition of a 148 million franc flagpole by the Presidency. It also highlights 23 cumulative months of payment delays and an outstanding balance of 588 million francs since January 2026. Furthermore, the OGA's report raises concerns about the contractual arrangement. Architect Mauro's firm, AM&T, leads a consortium of 16 companies, including both execution firms and study/control firms. This setup means the project's designer, executors, and controllers are legally bound together, which the OGA argues creates a conflict of interest and deviates from standard public procurement practices where these functions are typically separated to ensure independent oversight. The memorandum does not address whether a call for tenders was issued for the project. The OGA concludes that the controversy is fueled
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.
A historic heatwave in France is raising concerns in Gabon, particularly among the thousands of Gabonese families living, studying, or vacationing there. The extreme weather events, such as France's hottest June on record in 2026, are no longer just a matter of meteorology but a national issue. While Gabon possesses a vast forest cover, accounting for 88% of its territory, this natural asset alone will not protect it from future climate disruptions without a national adaptation strategy. The article, authored by Professor Judicaël Lebamba, a research professor at the University of Science and Technology of Masuku, highlights that climate change impacts are already evident in Gabon, with average annual temperatures increasing by approximately 0.6 °C since the 1960s. Projections indicate continued warming, increased rainfall variability, and heightened risks for agriculture, infrastructure, water resources, and coastal areas. Examples include flooded streets in Libreville, coastal erosion in Port-Gentil, and unpredictable seasons affecting harvests in agricultural regions. The economic impact of climate change without effective adaptation could range from 3.5% to 5.3% of Gabon's GDP annually by 2050. Therefore, Gabon needs a national strategy for adapting to extreme climatic events, including modernizing weather alert systems, adapting agriculture, strengthening urban drainage, protecting coastlines, improving urban planning, and developing scientific research and climate obser
Ike Ngouoni Aila Oyouomi, president of the strategic consulting firm AILA and former deputy spokesperson for the Presidency of the Gabonese Republic from 2017 to 2019, has raised concerns about the education of Gabon's future leaders. In an introspective piece, he highlights that many Gabonese children are familiar with countries like Morocco, Rwanda, or the United States, but have never visited the provinces their families originate from, such as Franceville. Oyouomi questions what is being transmitted to Gabonese youth beyond ambition and the pursuit of success, specifically regarding attachment to their territory and collective memory. He notes that while parents strive to provide the best opportunities, there is a lack of focus on teaching children about Gabon's history, intellectual figures, territories, and economic realities. Oyouomi argues that this absence of a national project in education is more insidious than brain drain, leading to an "estrangement of imaginaries." He suggests that if Franceville becomes a place to discover rather than a history to continue for Gabonese children, the nation risks losing a fundamental sense of belonging that is difficult to rebuild.
Must ReadThe Gabonese government has established an interministerial Task Force to undertake a comprehensive restructuring of the National Health Insurance and Social Guarantee Fund CNAMGS. Coordinated by government Vice-President Hermann Immongault, this initiative aims to restore the fund's financial stability, strengthen its governance, and ensure the continuity of services for insured individuals. The CNAMGS has faced escalating financial imbalances since its creation in 2007, exacerbated by the expansion of its coverage to include independent workers and voluntary insured individuals. These challenges have led to delays in reimbursement for healthcare facilities and pharmacies, impacting the quality of care, particularly for medical evacuations. The Task Force, which held its first meeting on July 6, 2026, with ministers from Social Affairs, Public Service, Health, and Budget, will first conduct an independent financial, accounting, and actuarial audit to diagnose the situation. The government also plans to secure CNAMGS resources through automated state contribution remittances for public agents and the creation of a special allocation account at the Treasury for the Special Solidarity Contribution. Digital transformation via the Gabon Connect project will interconnect information systems of CNAMGS, CNSS, the General Directorate of Taxes, and the Treasury to improve collection and combat social fraud. Additionally, internal governance will be strengthened with an upcoming perfor