Gabon civil aviation agency launches technical assistance mission to strengthen air safety before ICAO audit

This strategic exercise aims to enhance the country's performance and credibility in the aeronautical sector ahead of the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO audit. The mission, requested by Gabon from ICAO's West and Central African WACAF Regional Office, was officially opened by ANAC Director General, Major General Éric Tristan Franck Moussavou. It serves as a major preparatory step before the ICAO USOAP-CMA audit, which evaluates the effectiveness of national air safety oversight systems.

Gabon's previous evaluation was in 2019. Over several weeks, ICAO experts will examine key pillars of Gabon's system, including the legislative framework, civil aviation authority organization, aircraft technical operations, airworthiness, licensing, air navigation services, aerodrome management, accident investigations, and the national safety program. Certification activities, surveillance, and safety issue resolution will also be analyzed.

Moussavou emphasized the need for transparency and sincerity in this evaluation, stating its purpose is to establish an objective diagnosis to identify shortcomings and define necessary corrective measures. He noted the support of state authorities, including President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and urged collaboration w