FIFA and CAF mission in Gabon to address Fegafoot electoral crisis
via Gabon Review2 min read
A joint mission from FIFA and CAF arrived in Libreville, Gabon, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, to address the institutional crisis within the Gabonese Football Federation Fegafoot. The mission, scheduled to conclude on April 21, aims to resolve the suspension of Fegafoot's electoral process by the government. The delegation will hold high-level consultations to ensure the electoral process aligns with international standards. Meetings are planned with key stakeholders, including the outgoing Fegafoot president, Pierre Alain Mounguengui, members of the electoral commission, and the Minister of Sports, Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa, who initiated the suspension. The delegation includes Célestin Yanindji, a member of the FIFA Member Associations Committee, along with governance and legal experts from both institutions. The Gabonese government suspended the Fegafoot electoral process on April 13, citing irregularities and challenges to candidate validations. While the suspension was reportedly well-received by the public, it raises concerns regarding FIFA's principles against political interference in national federations, potentially exposing Gabon to sanctions, including suspension from international activities. The mission seeks to prevent escalation, establish a shared diagnosis, and propose a resolution that ensures transparency, credibility of the electoral process, and the federation's autonomy from political power. The mission's findings could lead to a revised electoral cale
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Gabon's timber industry experienced a significant contraction in 2025, with activity declining by 6% in the fourth quarter and an annual drop of 23.7%. This downturn is primarily attributed to an unfavorable international environment, including the Chinese real estate crisis, which has reduced market share for Gabonese timber. Additionally, increased competition from Brazilian pine, offered at half the price of Okoumé, has diverted demand. Structural and cyclical factors such as weak global demand, intensified competition from other tropical wood species, and operational constraints from unstable energy supply have also impacted production cycles. While the sawing segment saw a slight quarterly improvement of 1.5% due to increased orders and better stock management, its annual production still fell by 28.3%. Conversely, the veneer and plywood segments continued their decline in the fourth quarter. Veneer production decreased by 11.6% due to insufficient log supply, weak demand, and power outages. Plywood production also dropped by 3.4% due to low demand and electricity cuts, despite an annual increase of 2.9%.
Must ReadThe 3rd UK-Gabon Trade and Investment Forum, held on April 15, 2026, at Nomad, highlighted Gabon's strategic focus on digital transformation. Alberto Wenceslas MOUNGUENGUI MOUDOKI, Director General of the National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies ANINF, presented the country's vision to leverage digital technology for competitiveness, public efficiency, and national sovereignty. This aligns with the vision of His Excellency Mr. Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, President of the Republic, Head of State, Head of Government. Gabon's national ambition for digital sovereignty is built on four pillars: governance and regulation, skills development, operational capabilities, and international cooperation. The forum clarified that digital technology is a common language across all sectors, transforming economic discussions into strategic clarifications. The event showcased Gabon's commitment to structuring and organizing the digital revolution to create value, rather than merely undergoing it. A significant outcome was providing partners with a clearer understanding of Gabon's framework, particularly Law 037, which serves as the reference for digitalization. This demonstrates that digital transformation is a coordinated national obligation, not a collection of scattered initiatives, reassuring investors and partners about Gabon's clear direction and methodology. The forum also revealed extensive opportunities for intervention in sectors like health, education, finance, e
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Must ReadMe Sarah Ognyane, counsel for Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, has presented a version of events that contradicts the official narrative following his placement under a committal order. She refutes the criminal qualifications of fraud and breach of trust against the president of Ensemble pour le Gabon EPG. Speaking on EPG's Facebook page, Me Ognyane detailed the origin of the case, which dates back to 2008. During the organization of the Festival of Cultures, led by then Vice-Prime Minister Paul Mba Abessole, a committee chaired by Bilie-By-Nze found itself without public funding three days before launch. Ms. Baba Ramatou Amadou, a committee member, proposed that everyone contribute. Bilie-By-Nze contributed three million CFA francs, Ms. Ramatou five million, and others completed the nine million CFA francs pre-financing. Only Ms. Ramatou requested an acknowledgment of receipt, which the committee president provided. Me Ognyane also described the circumstances of Bilie-By-Nze's arrest, which he characterized as a "kidnapping." According to his account, a vehicle blocked his path, masked men seized his phones, and police identification only occurred afterward. Bilie-By-Nze reportedly reiterated this account to the investigating judge. Regarding the substance of the accusations, Me Ognyane systematically dismantled the prosecution's case. Citing articles 301 and 307 of the Penal Code, she argued that fraud requires fraudulent maneuvers, and breach of trust requires a transfer for dep