Gabon's President Oligui Nguema addresses Parliament on the state of the nation
via Gabon Review4 min read
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema delivered his first state of the nation address to a joint session of Parliament in Libreville on June 15, marking an institutional milestone for the Fifth Republic. The President presented the address as an act of democratic responsibility and accountability, stating his commitment to the republican obligation of the speech. He outlined a review of public actions and set future directions, emphasizing governance, transparency, and public service effectiveness. President Oligui Nguema highlighted the country's ongoing refoundation since August 30, 2023, acknowledging inherited difficulties such as fragile institutions, a disorganized economy, and struggling public services. He affirmed his dedication to restoring trust between the state and citizens, stating his mandate would be one of action rather than false promises. The President also discussed institutional reforms initiated during the transition, including the adoption of a new Constitution, electoral framework reform, and strengthening Parliament's role. He urged parliamentarians to fulfill their responsibilities, exercise their oversight prerogatives, and adhere to the spirit of the Inclusive National Dialogue. A significant portion of his speech focused on economic and social challenges, advocating for local transformation of national wealth, economic diversification, and public administration modernization. He addressed debt management, regularization of administrative
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On June 12, 2026, Gabon's Minister of State for National Education distributed digital tablets to primary schools across the country. This initiative, a partnership with UNICEF and Airtel Gabon, is part of a digital transformation strategy for the education system. It aims to provide students and teachers with improved access to technological tools and online educational resources. Thomas Herbert Gutjahr, Director General of Airtel Gabon, noted that 146 schools have been connected across various provinces, with significant volumes of free mobile data provided. Teachers and educational supervisors have received training, and students have been educated on responsible digital usage. Dr. Marie-Reine Chirezi-Fabry, UNICEF Resident Representative in Gabon, emphasized the importance of digital skills in a rapidly changing world, stating that Gabonese children should not be left behind. Minister of State Camélia Ntoutoume-Leclercq reported on the initial phases in pilot provinces, where 9 schools in Ogooué-Lolo, Moyen-Ogooué, and Estuaire were connected, 46 teachers trained in techno-pedagogical engineering, and all fifth-grade curricula digitized and deployed on the Learning Passport platform. The program has expanded nationally, benefiting 27 schools across 9 provinces, with over 4,500 fourth and fifth-grade students integrated. Additionally, 120 teachers and 50 administrative staff have been trained, 180 courses digitized, and 140 establishments connected to the internet. This co
Must ReadGabon's 2026 Revised Finance Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly's Finance Committee, contains an undisclosed 857.85 billion CFA francs approximately $1.5 billion bond loan from French bank Société Générale. An economist from the National Institute of Management Sciences, consulted by GabonReview, highlighted Article 97 of the bill, which authorizes this ten-year loan. This significant financial operation was not mentioned in the Council of Ministers' communiqué on May 22, nor in any public government statements. The economist noted that the loan, if issued, would likely incur an interest rate between 11% and 13% due to Gabon's CCC rating by Fitch, which is only two notches above default. This would result in annual interest payments of 95 to 110 billion CFA francs over ten years, totaling approximately 1,000 billion CFA francs in interest alone for an 858 billion CFA franc loan. These costs would be borne by budgets from 2027 to 2036. Parliamentarians are now faced with approving a major financial commitment that was not formally presented or explained. The Finance Committee is expected to question the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, guarantees, and the specific projects it aims to finance. This comes at a time when Gabon's debt service already consumes 61.4% of state revenues, double the World Bank's alert threshold, raising concerns about the country's financial future for the next decade.
The Minister of State, Minister of National Defense, Brigitte Onkanowa, presented the priorities for the "Defense" mission to the Finance, Budget, and Public Accounts Committee on June 11, 2026. This presentation was part of the review of the 2026 Rectified Finance Bill. The mission has a budget of 377.68 billion FCFA in the initial 2026 Finance Law, allocated for personnel, equipment, services, transfers, and investments. The budget aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces and improve the living and working conditions of military personnel. The minister defended the budgetary orientations amidst a readjustment of public finances, marked by a significant decrease in state resources to 5,495.2 billion FCFA from an initially projected 6,358.2 billion FCFA. The "Defense" mission is structured around five strategic programs: preparation and employment of forces, equipment for forces, the Republican Guard, soldier's life, and steering and support for national defense policy. Onkanowa emphasized the security challenges facing the country, including border defense, the fight against illegal immigration, terrorism, and various forms of trafficking, to justify the budgetary priorities. Discussions with parliamentarians also addressed concerns about the operational capacity of the defense forces, including staffing, equipment at borders, and logistical needs.