Gabon President Oligui Nguema comments on Bilie-By-Nze case amid ongoing detention and legal questions
via Gabon Review3 min read
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema addressed the case of Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze during an interview on France 24 on June 2, 2026. President Oligui Nguema described Bilie-By-Nze as a friend and stated he was not involved in the private matter, expressing sympathy for his situation. He also emphasized the independence of the justice system in Gabon. Bilie-By-Nze was arrested on April 15, 2026, and an investigation for fraud and breach of trust was announced by the Public Prosecutor on April 16, 2026. He was subsequently placed in provisional detention on the same day. Critics, including Ali Akbar Onanga Y’Obegue, a law professor and Secretary General of the PDG-canal Ali Bongo, have questioned the legal basis of the charges, citing prescription of facts and arguing that a debt related to a public service mission cannot be personally attributed to a minister. The Coalition for the New Republic also denounced what it called "state lawfare." Concerns have been raised about the speed of the legal process, with Bilie-By-Nze remaining in preventive detention for 47 days despite the seemingly clear nature of the case, which dates back to 2008 and involves figures like Paul Mba Abessole, then Minister of Culture. The president had previously stated on December 19, 2025, that only a firm, impartial, and credible justice system could restore public trust. The article highlights the paradox between the president's statements and the slow progress of the case, calling for a
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Adrien Wany NKoghe-Mba, President of the Léon Mba Institute, reflects on Gabon's public diplomacy following an encounter at a Parisian environmental event. He met a French environmental activist and elected official who was unaware of the Congo Basin's existence, despite its crucial role as the planet's primary terrestrial carbon sink, spanning six Central African countries, and Gabon's 88% forest cover. This experience led him to question who is effectively communicating Gabon's forest story to the world. Drawing on the work of political scientist Frédéric Charillon, NKoghe-Mba argues that Gabon needs to move beyond institutional speeches and embrace public diplomacy to reach public opinion, researchers, journalists, and philanthropists. He explains that while classical diplomacy engages governments, public diplomacy targets societies, creating a fertile ground for agreements by fostering sympathy, curiosity, and trust. Major powers like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom have long utilized cultural centers, scholarships, and cultural institutions for this purpose. NKoghe-Mba contrasts two scenarios: a Gabonese representative presenting statistics at an international conference versus an exhibition in a Berlin museum that emotionally connects visitors to Gabon's nature. He emphasizes that public diplomacy transforms institutional commitments into personal convictions, leading to tangible actions such as researchers becoming scientific ambassadors, foundations
Must ReadGabon's government is reactivating the High Investment Council HCI to strengthen its partnership with the private sector and achieve the ambitious 27 trillion FCFA investment target set by the National Growth and Development Plan PNCD 2026-2030. The HCI's work is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 4, in Libreville. This initiative follows a recent meeting between the executive and the Federation of Gabonese Enterprises FEG to establish a new dynamic for public-private collaboration. The government aims for the private sector to contribute 18 trillion FCFA, or two-thirds, of the total investment required for the PNCD. The relaunch of the HCI, under the instructions of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, seeks to address private sector concerns such as administrative controls, legal insecurity, procedural delays, and high logistical costs. Eight joint working groups, comprising public administration and private sector representatives, will examine key themes from June 4 to June 11, including parafiscality, cost of living, legal security, public establishment governance, public procurement, social reforms, strategic sectors, and support for SMEs. The conclusions will be consolidated on June 12 and 13, with a general presentation on June 15 for the formal adoption of selected reforms. The government hopes this move will build trust and attract the private capital necessary for the PNCD's success and Gabon's development ambitions.
Must ReadGabon has been elected as one of the 21 member states to serve as vice-president for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is scheduled to open in New York in September 2026. This election places Gabon in a strategic role for organizing and conducting the work of the UN's main deliberative body, at a time of significant geopolitical and institutional changes. The election occurred on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following the selection of Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session. Rahman secured the presidency with 99 votes against Cypriot Andreas Kakouris's 91 votes in a secret ballot among 190 member states. Alongside Gabon, other vice-presidents include the United States, China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, reflecting the principle of equitable geographical distribution. As vice-president, Gabon will participate in the General Committee, which is responsible for organizing General Assembly sessions. Their duties include reviewing the provisional agenda, making recommendations on the allocation of items to various committees, and coordinating debates. Vice-presidents may also preside over plenary meetings in the absence of the General Assembly president, lead discussions, and ensure adherence to procedural rules. This responsibility comes at a sensitive international juncture, with the 81st session set to address UN system reform, accelerating Sustainable Development Goals implementation, climate chang
Must ReadGabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema recently gave an exclusive interview to France 24, broadcast on May 2, 2026, one year after his election. He discussed a busy international agenda, major economic deadlines, and addressed several pending issues. President Nguema announced the delivery of several thermal power plants by July 2027, acknowledging public concerns about water and electricity, and emphasized his seven-year mandate. He confirmed an upcoming state visit to France on July 20, stating that relations with Paris are strong. Regarding Eramet, an agreement was reached for local manganese processing, with President Nguema setting a firm deadline: "If nothing is transformed in 2029, the manganese will not leave." He also confirmed a program with the International Monetary Fund for late 2026, delayed by an audit of inherited debt. President Nguema rejected the 2.6% growth forecast by the AfDB, asserting the health of the Gabonese economy. He highlighted economic sovereignty through actions like the repurchase of Assala and the future ban on raw manganese exports, aiming to diversify partners. The President stated he refused a request from the Trump administration to host migrants expelled from the United States. He also announced that social media, suspended since February, would be reopened after Parliament votes on a legislative framework to regulate online abuses, with fines for defamation. Addressing sensitive issues, President Nguema confirmed a diplomatic