
Artist Seba announced the release of her new album, "Po põ: Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes of Gabon, Vol. 1," at a press conference held at the National Museum of Arts, Rites and Traditions in Libreville on April 22, 2026. The album, available from April 24, 2026, features ten tracks deeply rooted in Gabonese traditions, aiming to highlight the country's cultural heritage. Primarily targeting children, the project seeks to reconnect them with their cultural and linguistic roots. Seba, who is of Inzebi origin, explained that "Po põ" draws its essence from tales, proverbs, and stories, which are crucial channels for transmitting values. The album, produced under the KoloMoto label, aims to resonate with the identity expression of the Gabonese public. The term "Popõ" is an Inzebi onomatopoeia used to lull a child, similar to the French word "dodo." Seba emphasizes that lullabies are more than just songs; they are vehicles for transmission, creating an emotional bond between parent and child and preserving cultural values. She views lullabies as a pillar of cultural sovereignty essential for future generations. The album offers an immersive sound experience, blending tradition and emotion. Journalists at the press conference heard an excerpt, "Colé," which features Seba's voice, the traditional mughogo zither, body percussion, and the "lichimbou" rhythm. Beyond lullabies, the album explores other aspects of Gabonese culture, including a track honoring the circumcision rite of the A
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Must ReadFormer Prime Minister and president of Ensemble pour le Gabon EPG, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, has been detained for 52 days at the Libreville prison under conditions described as particularly trying by his lawyer, Me Thierry Nguia. Speaking in Libreville on June 5, Me Nguia stated that while Bilie-By-Nze is "very courageous" and has "steel morale," his general state of health is causing increasing concern. The lawyer reported that Bilie-By-Nze is held in a "blind cell," meaning he cannot distinguish between day and night, leading to "total sedentarization" which could affect his physical and mental health. Me Nguia emphasized that prisoners have rights, including the right to exercise and walks, which are reportedly not being respected, despite Gabon's international commitments. Beyond the detention conditions, the legal procedure itself is contested. Me Nguia highlighted that after 52 days, his client has not been heard, questioning the basis of the case, which he claims involves 5 million CFA francs and relates to a prescribed matter. The defense argues that the detention stems from an investigation into alleged breach of trust and fraud from 2008, which they consider prescribed and legally weak. On June 3, the Libreville Court of Appeal rejected a nullification request filed by the former Prime Minister's lawyers, thus prolonging his incarceration. Me Nguia called for a return to proper legal procedure, warning that while Bilie-By-Nze is holding up, the situation should no

On June 5, 2026, the ARISE Foundation, Deloitte in Gabon, and Gabon Special Economic Zone GSEZ organized an "Impact Day: Climate Awareness, Youth at the Heart of Action" event at the Léon-Mba National High School in Libreville. This initiative, held for World Environment Day, aimed to educate students on climate and environmental issues. Greryque Pruda Dindzouna épouse Olongo Massamba, the censor of school life at Léon-Mba National High School, highlighted the event as a significant opportunity for students to learn about environmental topics crucial for their academic and professional futures. Sophia Bennaceur, Senior Manager at Deloitte in Gabon and Impact Day coordinator, emphasized the importance of supporting the local ecosystem and reaching out to young people who may have fewer resources than those in private institutions. She also praised the existence of a Climate Club at Léon-Mba High School. The "Climate Awareness" program, launched last year by the ARISE Foundation and GSEZ, is an educational initiative for secondary school students, which began in Ntoum and has now expanded to Libreville, having already reached nearly 300 students. Gaurav Aggarwal, Director General of GSEZ, encouraged the youth to take action, stating that Gabon's natural heritage depends on current choices and the commitment of future generations. The day concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to the students.
Must ReadThe Rally for the Homeland and Modernity RPM has expressed surprise at the form and tone of Ali Bongo's recent statement, which was a response to an interview given by Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on France24. In a communiqué published on June 4, the RPM stated it was astonished by the communiqué issued on June 3, 2026, in Ali Bongo Ondimba's name via a proxy and spokesperson. The party, whose interim presidency is held by Jean-Robert Goulongana, found it surprising that the former President, who is reportedly in full mental faculties, would need an intermediary to respond to the Head of State. The RPM questioned the significance of this approach, especially since Ali Bongo claims to be fully capable of speaking for himself. The party also expressed astonishment at the "particularly aggressive tone" used by the former Head of State towards Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, noting that the latter ensured Ali Bongo's security after the events of August 30, 2023. The RPM highlighted that Ali Bongo Ondimba and his family officially left Gabon for humanitarian reasons, with the option to return freely. However, the party criticized his political record, describing his governance as having led the country into political, economic, and social deadlock, ultimately precipitating his downfall. The RPM believes Ali Bongo is more concerned with rewriting his legacy than with introspection. Recalling the former President's statements that he no longer wished to seek the votes of Gabonese citi

A financial scandal involving alleged overbilling of treasury bonds, totaling over 560 million FCFA, has been uncovered at Gabon's Ministry of National Education. Judicial Police services have arrested approximately twenty agents from the Central Directorate of Financial Affairs DCAF in connection with the investigation. The alleged fraud came to light following an audit initiated after recent strikes in the education sector. Investigations into disbursements for temporary assignments reportedly revealed significant irregularities in public fund management. The arrested agents, part of a department with over sixty employees, deny direct responsibility for establishing the fraudulent mechanism. They claim to have been mere executors of financial operations validated by their superiors, stating they are neither authorizing officers nor credit administrators. The accused also argue that funds withdrawn for temporary assignments were often used to finance unforeseen or unbudgeted administrative needs. This case highlights internal control weaknesses within public administrations, particularly as teachers' demands regarding working conditions and payment of certain services persist. The investigation is ongoing to determine individual responsibilities and the potential involvement of other actors in the financial chain. The arrested individuals are expected to appear before the public prosecutor in the coming days. If confirmed, this case could represent one of the most significan