🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabonese women launch manifesto to influence public debate
via Gabon Review4 min read
On April 17, 2026, during National Gabonese Women's Day, 25 Gabonese women from diverse professional backgrounds, including dancers, writers, lawyers, and personal development coaches, gathered at the Baie des Rois to discuss challenges and opportunities for women's professional and artistic development. The event centered on the presentation of the Institut Concorde's White Paper, a collective work by these 25 women, aiming to encourage women's participation in Gabon's public discourse. The White Paper offers recommendations to shape public debate and national decisions, focusing on women's engagement in the public sphere, their legitimacy, and their increased presence on social media. Nathalie Avomo, a cosmetics entrepreneur and contributor, emphasized the urgency for women to claim their rightful place, stating that the book provides inspiration through its diverse profiles. Anne-Mira Ossouka Ndyage, another contributor, explained the blue cover of the "White Paper" symbolizes its purpose as a document of recommendations for public authorities, highlighting concrete ways to improve the framework and promotion of women's rights in Gabon. The book, already available in Port-Gentil, will embark on a national tour to reach a wider audience, especially young people. Chelsy 241, a tourism agency manager, expressed her satisfaction, noting that discussing the commitment of Gabonese women deeply resonated with her, and she believes the book can be a catalyst for those wishing to c
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Must ReadGabon'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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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.
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