What they said

“The former president, who has been receiving specialised treatment in South Africa, died today on Thursday, 5th June,” the Patriotic Front’s statement on Facebook said. Noureddin Bongo described the trial as a “rubber-stamping exercise,” adding that it had been “predetermined in [Oligui Nguema’s office] a long time ago.” He told AFP, “We know full well that if we go back, we will suffer things far worse than we have already suffered... We are not opposed to the idea of being held accountable for so-called acts we may have committed, but only if it is before an independent and genuine court of law.” Prosecutor Eddy Minang told the court that evidence from witnesses revealed “a system of diverting public funds for the benefit of private interests.”

Beyond steel , manganese is vital in nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-manganese oxide (LMO) batteries, technologies central to China’s EV sector. Ensuring steady, high-grade supplies has therefore become essential to Beijing’s industrial strategy.

Gabon is the world’s second-largest producer of manganese, with reserves estimated at 250 million tonnes, concentrated in the Moanda region. Its ore, often exceeding 46% manganese content, is among the highest quality globally.

Until now, Gabon largely exported raw ore, with limited local processing. But that model is changing as Libreville has announced a ban on raw manganese exports from 2029, requiring foreign companies to invest in domestic processing. Mines Minister Gilles Nembé has described the policy as a step to make Gabon “a competitive industrial hub in the mining sector.”

In September, a delegation of seven Chinese firms met Gabonese authorities to propose building an integrated industrial zone for manganese processing. Companies such as Inner Mongolia Xinchuan Metallurgy pledged to transfer smelting technology and establish facilities for alloys and battery-grade products. This approach goes beyond mining, embedding China deeper into Gabon’s value chain.

China’s push comes amid rising competition from Japanese investors, who also signalled plans in July 2025 to invest in Gabon’s processing industry, seeking to secure supplies for steelmaking and EV technologies while diversifying away from Chinese dominance.

For Gabon, these rival bids offer leverage with foreign competition accelerating investment, expanding job creation, and boosting value-added industries. For China, securing processed manganese in Gabon reduces reliance on volatile global markets while tightening control over critical mineral supply chains.

As the 2029 export ban nears, Gabon’s manganese could become a flashpoint in the global race for battery metals, shaping Africa ’s role in the green energy transition and testing how far China’s industrial strategy can reach.

Foreign ministers from Commonwealth member states approved Gabon’s return during a meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York . The move restores Gabon to full participation in the organisation it first joined in June 2022.

Officials in Libreville say the country’s reinstatement is recognition of a successful political transition marked by a peaceful constitutional referendum and a presidential election widely described as free and transparent. Gabon’s military leaders had promised a swift return to civilian rule following the coup, which ended decades of one-party dominance.

The Commonwealth had suspended Gabon in 2023 in response to what it called a violation of democratic principles. The suspension froze the country’s participation in official meetings and restricted access to technical support and assistance programs.

Now, the country is looking to re-engage with the Commonwealth’s development agenda, trade opportunities, and diplomatic networks.

What’s at stake?

The election schedule for September is exceptionally important. The focus is on Gabon's legislative and municipal elections on September 27 and October 11, as well as Guinea's constitutional referendum on September 21, while Malawi and Seychelles get ready for regular elections.  Both are milestones in transitions launched by coups - Guinea in 2021, Gabon in 2023 - testing whether military rulers can deliver credible civilian pathways or simply rebrand authoritarian rule.

If approved, these procedures could normalize coup-born regimes that use controlled elections to manage transitions. If they fail, they run the risk of instability, unrest, and further undermining of faith in democracy.

The background

Under General Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea has pledged a "return to constitutional order," but repression has already tainted the country's referendum.  The proposed charter establishes a Senate with elections scheduled for December 2025 and a presidential term that is renewable every seven years.  However, the junta suspended ousted leader Alpha Condé's party and several other major opposition parties in late August.  Since 2022, protests have been prohibited, dozens of parties are still suspended, and media regulators have cautioned media outlets against covering opposition activities, all of which may damage credibility and increase the likelihood of future violence.  Conakry has seen a noticeable increase in security in advance of the referendum on September 21.  Especially in opposition strongholds, police patrol roads, intersections, and marketplaces with the support of assault rifle units and armoured vehicles equipped with water cannons. The regime has deployed forces to “prevent” planned demonstrations, firing warning shots and reportedly abducting several pro-democracy activists in a chilling prelude to vote day, signalling a determination to contain dissent.

Although Gabon is further along, it is equally dominated by the military. After the Bongo dynasty was overthrown in 2023, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema won almost 95% of the vote to become president in April 2025.  His administration eliminated the prime minister's position, extended presidential terms, and amended the constitution to permit military candidates.  Election supervision was transferred to the Interior Ministry, and more than 200 parties were eliminated.  The first elections since the coup will take place in September and October, but expectations of competition are minimal, and discontent stirs among the dozens of candidates who have faced seemingly arbitrary rejection. 

Comment: freedom through suppression?

Guinea and Gabon show a recurring pattern: juntas turning to ballots to claim legitimacy without ceding real power. Their transitions are hailed as milestones under regional and international pressure, yet in practice rely on opposition suppression and institutional dominance. 

Guinea’s transition illustrates how elections are being leveraged less as pathways to democracy and more as instruments of regime consolidation. The junta is not only repressing domestic opposition but also aligning itself with external actors in ways that unsettle Western partners. Geographically, Conakry has become an ideal entry point into the Sahel: Russian vessels dock with minimal scrutiny, unlike in other coastal states such as Côte d’Ivoire or Cameroon, allowing sanctioned arms shipments to move into Mali and beyond. 

For Europe and the United States , these dynamics sharpen the dilemma. Supporting Guinea’s referendum risks legitimizing a transition that facilitates both authoritarian consolidation and Russian influence. Yet disengagement carries its own costs, potentially ceding more ground to Moscow in a strategically sensitive corridor.

The preservation of stability in Gabon has come at the expense of pluralism.  Hundreds of parties have been marginalized, meaningful competition has been excluded, and power has been concentrated in the military and the presidency as a result of the tightly managed transition.  Although this strategy has prevented immediate turmoil, it runs the risk of solidifying a precarious balance that might break down if the promised economic benefits and reforms don't come to pass.

The elections exacerbate a well-known conundrum for regional and global players like the African Union, ECOWAS, the EU, and the US: accept stability dressed as democracy, or demand reform and risk alienating regimes that control the levers of security.

Assessment: predictable near-term outcomes

Outcomes are predictable in the short term. Guinea's referendum will most likely pass, opening the door for elections in December, but without opposition involvement, the results will lack credibility and may incite unrest. Through loyalist assemblies, Gabon's elections will further Oligui's dominance. Votes in Malawi and Seychelles should go smoothly with minimal regional repercussions.

In the medium term, Guinea faces a realistic possibility of instability. Its history of violent contestation, combined with restricted civic space , could trigger backlash once results are imposed. Gabon is almost certain to remain outwardly stable, but if reforms stall, the exclusion of opposition and weakened checks could exacerbate unrest.

For Europe and other partners, both cases present challenges. Guinea’s volatility could affect migration and security in West Africa’s Sahel-to-coast corridor. Gabon, an oil producer with strong commercial ties to France and other European partners, raises the question of how far Europe will accommodate an entrenched military elite so long as order and resource flows are maintained.

Conclusion: a barometer for democracy

Africa's democratic struggle is brought to light by the elections in September 2025.  Guinea and Gabon are holding historic elections that should signal a shift toward civilian governance but run the risk of solidifying military rule instead.  For Africans, democratic renewal is still uncertain.  The dilemma facing Europe is whether to embrace authoritarian stability masquerading as democracy or to pursue true civilian transition, with all of the risks entailed. 

Manganese, traditionally used in steel production, has become critical for the manufacture of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, where demand for high-purity manganese compounds is surging. This shift is positioning resource-rich countries like Gabon at the forefront of global supply chains, supporting both industrial and green energy transitions.

Gabon’s output, driven largely by the Compagnie Minière de l'Ogooué (Comilog), a subsidiary of French mining group Eramet, plays a significant role in global supply. The company operates the Moanda mine, one of the world ’s largest sources of high-grade manganese. Despite a temporary production halt in late 2024 due to market oversupply, operations have since resumed.

The U.S. Geological Survey ranks South Africa as the leading country in manganese reserves with 560 million tonnes, followed by China (280 million tonnes), Brazil (270 million tonnes), and Australia (110 million tonnes), with Gabon rounding out the top five.

The U.S. remains a major importer of Gabonese manganese, with the West African country accounting for 63% of American imports in 2024.

Despite strict export controls, scientists like microbiologist Yoan Mboussou believe Iboga could be a transformative force. “There’s real potential to leverage Iboga for our economy , our society, and the nation,” he says.

“I, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, elected President of the Republic, pledge before God and our ancestors and the people of Gabon to preserve all my strength for their well-being,” Oligui declared during the ceremony.

The event was attended by several regional leaders, including Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, DR Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, and  Rwanda ’s Paul Kagame.

In the crowd, citizens expressed optimism and tempered expectations. Laetitia Kelly, a 35-year-old beautician, told the AFP, “I came here today to see what I voted for on April 12. What I expect now is that the president continues the good work he started since August 30.”

Ralph Ondounda, a 40-year-old electromechanical engineer, emphasised the needs of the country’s younger generation, “For the next seven years, we expect the president-elect to respect his commitments. Young people need to be empowered, they need jobs and social services. But really, this is about all Gabonese people.”

The vote marks the official transition from military to civilian rule after Oligui seized power in a coup in August 2023, toppling longtime president Ali Bongo Ondimba. His win solidified his position as head of state under Gabon’s newly proclaimed Fifth Republic.

“Tomorrow is a working day. We must now turn the page on the presidential election,” Oligui said. “Our country is still developing. I invite you to resume your professional activities in this Fifth Republic that we call with all our wishes.”

While the landslide result was expected, critics have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process. Nevertheless, Oligui’s administration has pledged to implement reforms and foster greater stability in the oil-rich Central African nation.

At a polling station in Libreville, voter Jeanne d’Arc Akomuom, 28, told the AFP that she was voting for real change.

“On this April 12th, I came to vote for what is precisely a change. What I expect from the new president... is to promote employment for the youth and try to solve the water and electricity problems that prevail in our city, Libreville,” she said.

Despite Gabon’s considerable oil wealth, the country of 2.3 million people  continues to struggle with high unemployment, frequent power outages, water shortages, and a crippling infrastructure gap. Official data shows that only 2,000 of Gabon’s 10,000 kilometers (6,213 miles) of roads are currently usable.

At another polling station, 30-year-old voter Aurele Ossatanga Mouila emphasised the urgency of tackling youth unemployment.

“The new president must really put emphasis on the unemployment issue. He should think about the youth... he really has to find jobs for young Gabonese. It's a really important thing,” Mouila said.

Supporters of Brice Oligui Nguema, the transitional president since the August 2023 coup, appeared confident in his victory.

“It was important for me to come vote. My vote counts to elect a new president, a new Gabon, which is our choice — President Brice Oligui Nguema,” said Eugénie Tchitembo Onanga, 68. “This is cash victory, the choice of God,” he added.

Nguema, a former commander of the Republican Guard, has led the transitional government since removing the Bongo dynasty, which had ruled Gabon for over 55 years.

In a statement, Nguema confirmed that the Ministry of National Defense had approved his request to enter politics, making him eligible to run for office.

"I am happy today to inform you that the Ministry of National Defense has favourably responded to my availability request. This means that since February 27, 2025, I am eligible to engage in politics and even occupy the supreme position," he told the AFP.

Despite speculation about forming a political party, Nguema announced he would run as an independent candidate. Instead, he introduced a political platform called " The Builders' Movement," inviting various groups, including political parties, unions, youth organisations, and intellectuals, to support his vision for the country's future.

"There is no reason to create a party. Time does not allow us to do so. But like the others, I will go as an independent," he stated. "Within this platform, I invite associations, political parties, unions, youth, intellectual elites, and all those who have supported me since the beginning of the transition to join us so that together we can build this country and move forward."

Nguema’s candidacy marks a significant moment in Gabon’s transition back to civilian rule. His leadership over the past two years has been marked by efforts to stabilise the nation after the coup .

The April election will be Gabon’s first since the military ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023, citing election irregularities and governance failures.

Mr Bongo had ruled for 14 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Omar Bongo, who led the country for 41 years. The coup ended the Bongo family’s 55-year hold on power.

On March 3, Mr Nguema told his supporters in the capital, Libreville, that he had thought carefully before deciding to contest.

According to local reports , the president also attributed his decision to calls for his contest by many people.

He also described himself as a "builder" and called on citizens to support him in shaping Gabon’s future.

His decision comes after a recent change in the country’s constitution, which now allows him to stand in the election.

Africa

Burkina Faso bans colonial-era wigs in courtrooms

Burkina Faso has prohibited judges from wearing colonial-era wigs in court, aiming to embrace local traditions and distance itself from colonial influences. Read more here .

Nigeria's death toll from fuel truck blast reaches 98

The death toll from a weekend fuel truck explosion in Nigeria rose to 98 after more bodies were recovered from the wreckage on Monday, January 20. According to the regional emergency agency head, 69 people are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Read more here .

Gabon’s parliament approves law expanding voting rights

Gabon’s Senate has passed a new electoral law to make elections more inclusive and accessible. The decision, following approval by the National Assembly, was announced by senior Senate official Eloi Ekouma Abessolo during a national television broadcast. Read more here .

Asia

Over 300 Bangkok schools close over air pollution: Video

Local authorities announced that nearly 200 schools in Bangkok were closed on Thursday, January 23, due to severe air pollution. Officials also urged residents to work from home and imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles to combat the city's deteriorating air quality. Read more here .

Shanghai celebrates Lunar New Year with a dogs' dinner

Yakult, a black-and-white collie named after a Japanese yoghurt drink, eagerly enjoyed his meal of shredded chicken and lettuce. He was one of eleven dogs at the Kongshan Yunnan eatery in Shanghai, where a special dinner was organized to resemble the traditional Lunar New Year feast. This event, which brings families together to mark the end of one year and welcome another, heralds the Year of the Snake, which officially starts on Tuesday, January 28. Read more here

Philippines comic book takes battle for South China Sea to children

On Friday, January 24, the Philippines launched a comic book to counter what it describes as distorted narratives about maritime rights in the disputed South China Sea. The move drew criticism from China. The 40-page comic book, "The Stories of Teacher Jun," follows Teacher Jun and his students as they learn about maritime zones, international laws, and the importance of safeguarding Philippine marine resources. Read more  here .

Latin America

Mexico builds temporary shelters to prepare for mass deportations from US

Mexican authorities started building large tent shelters in Ciudad Juarez to prepare for a potential influx of Mexicans deported under U.S. President Donald Trump's promised mass deportations. Read more here .

Peru’s parliament bans miniskirts, sparks outrage

The Peruvian Congress has prohibited female employees from wearing miniskirts, shorts, and jeans, igniting anger and accusations of sexism. Read more here .

Colombia reissues rebel arrest warrants, displacement rises to 32,000 amid fighting

On Wednesday, January 22, Colombia's attorney general's office reissued arrest warrants for leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, who had been involved in peace talks. This comes as forced displacement due to ELN attacks has risen to 32,000 people. Read more here .

The law was created by a national commission established in December 2024 by transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema.

It includes 383 provisions aimed at reforming how elections are conducted in the country, local reports say.

These provisions include the introduction of two parliamentary seats reserved for Gabonese citizens living abroad.

This move is seen as an effort to include the diaspora in Gabon’s political process.

The new law also allows dual nationals to run for office in all elections except the presidency without being required to renounce their other nationality.

The legislation also shifts the responsibility for organising elections from local governments to the interior ministry. This move is aimed at streamlining the electoral process.

Freddy Mayombo, a farmer in Bakoussou, explained that while the electric fences offer some protection, they are not foolproof. "For the moment, it helps us keep the elephants away, but when a whole herd comes, they can break through and get in," he said.

Aime Serge Mibambani Ndimba, a senior official from Gabon’s Ministry of Environment, emphasized the need for action to prevent people from taking matters into their own hands. "We must provide assistance to Gabon so that we do not arrive at situations where the population is rising up and taking law into their own hands," he warned, noting that such actions could lead to more violence against elephants.

The issue is widespread, with wildlife conflicts occurring in all nine provinces of Gabon, according to William Moukandja, chief of the Ndangui Wildlife Brigade. The situation has also led to public debate, especially after President Brice Oligui Nguema suggested that shooting elephants in self-defense may be necessary in some cases. This comment has sparked confusion, with Jeremy Mapangou, a lawyer for the NGO Conservation Justice, clarifying that the president's remarks were intended to address self-defense situations.

For many locals, the government’s priority seems unclear. "I don’t know what the government is protecting-human beings or animals?" questioned Mathias Mapiyo, a Bakoussou resident.

Others, like Viviane Metolo, worry about the impact on their livelihoods. "We support our children with agriculture. Now, if the agriculture we do is for the benefit of the elephant, what will happen to us?" she asked.

This constitutional referendum represents a critical step toward the junta's pledge to transition to civilian rule, ending 55 years of the Bongo family's dominance. Gabon's 860,000 registered voters are presented with two options: a green ballot to vote "yes" for the new constitution or a red one to vote "no."

Authorities have mobilised extensive public outreach via television, radio, and social media, urging citizens to participate in this historic vote.

In order to ensure access, the government declared a two-day public holiday leading up to the vote and implemented measures allowing voters to switch polling locations to accommodate travel and weather concerns during the rainy season.

Key provisions of the new constitution

The proposed constitution outlines a two-term, seven-year presidential tenure, eliminates the prime minister role, and bans dynastic transfers of power. It mandates that presidential candidates be exclusively Gabonese, requiring at least one parent born in Gabon and a Gabonese spouse.

According to the military leadership, this is part of its vision to bring stability and transparency to the oil-rich Central African nation.

The coup

This vote follows the August 2023 coup that unseated President Ali Bongo Ondimba shortly after he was declared the winner of an election widely denounced as fraudulent by opposition leaders and the army.

Bongo, who ruled for 14 years, had assumed office following the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who held power for over four decades. Allegations of corruption, embezzlement , and misgovernance plagued the Bongo administration, fueling public discontent and support for the junta's intervention.

General Brice Oligui Nguema , the head of the ruling military junta, has pledged to transition back to civilian rule within two years, with presidential elections slated for August 2025.

While Oligui has openly expressed ambitions to contest that election, the new constitutional framework aims to ensure a fairer, more transparent political system.

Despite public outcry and condemnation from international communities amid sanctions, some coup leaders insist that they are only trying to right the wrongs of failed elected African leaders.

Mali

In Mali , the military junta has been in power since 2020 and has suffered two coups. On August 18, 2020, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted by the military, leading to the establishment of a transitional government in October. However, on May 24, 2021, the military detained both the president and the prime minister.

In June, Colonel Assimi Goïta was unveiled as the transitional president. Despite the promise by Goïta to maintain military rule for just two years, a national dialogue on Friday, May 10, resulted in the extension of the junta leadership for the next three years as well as pushing for Assimi Goïta to stand in the eventual election.

Guinea

September 5, 2021, similarly saw the overthrow of the elected president of Guinea, Alpha Condé, by military powers. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who led the coup, subsequently became the country's president on October 1, 2021. The military government, however, promised to return things to civilian rule by the end of 2024. The military government is yet to show any signs of the country joining the democratic path again despite calls by opposition leaders to provide an election timetable for the 'November-December elections'.

Sudan

Just when the world was recovering from the military overthrows in Mali and Guinea, Sudan slammed the world with another coup d'état led by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemedti on October 25, 2021. This was after the country's president Omar al-Bashir was deposed in 2019 to form a transitional civilian government. Since April 15, 2023, a power struggle between General Burhane and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, has resulted in the deaths of at least 15,000 people. The conflict has displaced over 8.2 million individuals, creating the world's worst displacement crisis.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso followed suit with two putsches in eight months. On January 24, 2022, President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was ousted by the military, and Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was inaugurated as president in February. However, on September 30, Damiba was also dismissed by the military, and Captain Ibrahim Traoré was appointed as transitional president, with a presidential election scheduled for July 2024. It is, however, unclear if Captain Ibrahim Traoré is ready to end his regime.

Niger

Niger also experienced one of the most recent coups in Africa when, on July 26, 2023, the military declared they had overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum , with General Abdourahamane Tiani emerging as the new leader of the country. On August 10, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced plans to deploy a regional force to "restore constitutional order" while favouring diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, the military proposed a transition period of up to three years before returning power to civilians.

Gabon

Gabon's president at the time, Ali Bongo, was ousted after his family had ruled the country for five decades. Coup leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was sworn in just a week after the ousting and has been the country's head of state till today. Surprisingly, Gabon citizens stormed the streets of the country to jubilate over the military takeover.

Despite the reasons for the military takeover being to alleviate poverty and hardship, most of these nations still suffer from economic hardships .

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), here are the 8 richest countries in Africa by GDP per capita (PPP).

Mauritius

Mauritius holds the top spot as the richest country in Africa in 2024, with a GDP-PPP per capita of $31,157. Renowned for its diverse economy, Mauritius has successfully expanded beyond traditional sectors such as sugar and textiles.

Libya

Despite recent political and economic challenges, Libya ranks second with a GDP-PPP per capita of $26,527. The country's wealth primarily stems from its vast oil reserves, and ongoing efforts to stabilise its economy have been crucial in maintaining its position among Africa's richest nations.

Botswana

Botswana, with a GDP-PPP per capita of $20,311, is known for its stable economic growth and successful diversification strategies. The country has effectively managed its diamond resources and invested in sectors like tourism and agriculture, strengthening its economic resilience.

Gabon

Gabon ranks fourth with a GDP-PPP per capita of $19,865, driven by its abundant natural resources, including oil and minerals. The government's focus on sustainable development and economic diversification has been crucial in maintaining Gabon's status as one of Africa's wealthiest nations.

Egypt

Egypt secures the fifth position with a GDP-PPP per capita of $17,786. As one of Africa's most populous countries, Egypt boasts a diverse economy, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Equatorial Guinea

With a GDP-PPP per capita of $17,237, Equatorial Guinea heavily relies on its oil wealth to propel economic development. Despite oil's predominant role, initiatives to diversify the economy and invest in sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure have contributed to its economic prosperity.

South Africa

South Africa, the economic powerhouse of the continent, ranks seventh with a GDP-PPP per capita of $16,625. Despite struggling with challenges like inequality and unemployment, South Africa's diverse economy spans mining, manufacturing, and services, solidifying its pivotal role in the region.

Algeria

Taking the eighth spot, Algeria boasts a GDP-PPP per capita of $14,227. While the country's economy heavily depends on hydrocarbons, initiatives to diversify into sectors like renewable energy and manufacturing are underway to secure sustained economic growth.

“Following a circulatory vote of its Executive Committee (ExCo) that ended on 5 January, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed, with immediate effect, the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of Gabon from the list of Signatories that are non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code),” said WADA.

“The flag and national anthem of Gabon may once again be raised and performed during international competitions, all disciplines combined,” the Gabonese sports ministry said .

According to the anti-doping governing body, Gabon’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) did not include the Code's 2021 version which prompted WADA to add NADO to the code non-compliant watchlist on 17 November 2022.

NADO after failure to execute its corrective action plan within the four months stipulated period were sent a formal notice of non-compliance on 20 March 2023 and was added to the non-compliant list on 11 April 2023.

Pope Francis' recent call for the blessing of homosexual couples, made on December 18, has faced strong opposition from the Episcopal Conference's Doctrine Commission in Gabon. Gabon bishops rejected the Pope's wish altogether, indicating that in Gabon, the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions has already prohibited same-sex couples, rendering the possibility of blessing them null, local media Infos Gabon reported. The President of the Commission, Bishop Mathieu said a declaration from the Vatican creates some confusion and undermines the credibility of the church.

Hydrocarbon storage

The military-led transitional government, under the leadership of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has announced the creation of a special unit dedicated to enhancing security and control within the country's oil terminals. The unit, established to safeguard the nation's economic interests, will focus on four key missions, including rigorous supervision of oil logistics for optimal use of hydrocarbon resources and strengthening security at oil terminals to ensure national security, local media Gabon Review reported

Importation of used vehicles

The government of Gabon has announced an extension of the permitted age for used motor vehicles imported into the country from 8 to 10 years. This decision means that individuals can now bring vehicles to Gabon with construction ages ranging from 0 to 10 years. The move aligns Gabon with the average vehicle import regulations in neighboring countries in the sub-region, as reported by local media Top Infos Gabon

Allocation of vehicles

The President of the Transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, handed over ten vehicles to administrative staff and religious figures in the province of Ogooué Maritime. This allocation follows discussions between the President and the local population during his visit to the economic capital on December 6 and 7, local media Gabonews reported. The President announced support measures for the equal development of provinces and improved working conditions.

Awep Gabon Association

A delegation of ten Gabonese women, representing the Awep Gabon Association, recently concluded a twelve-day training program in the United States, titled "Women's Entrepreneurship in American Markets: A Project for Gabon." The program was sponsored by American Department of State, and aimed at enhancing leadership and empowering women entrepreneurs for access to the American market, as reported by local media agency Sonapresse .

The event which happened on December 14 aims to acknowledge the achievements of outstanding business leaders on the continent on an annual basis.

According to local media outlet, Gabon Review , the Forbes Africa winner is also the Chairman of the the Board of Directors of the Central African Securities Exchange. (BVMAC).

He also plays a key role in the transition underway in Gabon.

Transitional President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has provided brand new houses to ten Gabonese families who were squatters at the Mindoubé public dump, located six kilometres from Libreville in the country’s capital. The single-storey villas built in 31 days by the National Real Estate Company were handed over to the families by the president. According to local news outlet Infos Gabon , each family also received an envelope of 15 million CFA Franc ($25,000) from the head of state.

Corruption and malfeasance

The Ship Captain, Minister of Transport, Loïc Ndinga Moudouma has received audit reports that show financial embezzlements and misappropriation of public funds by Gabonese Transport Company, Sogatra. According to local news outlet INews 241 , nearly 3 billion FCFA (4 million) was misused between 2022 and 2023. The details were presented to the Transport minister by an audit team tasked to look into the financial details of the company. The report was submitted on December 13, 2023.

Annual ceremony held to express gratitude for year's blessings

Transition President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema took part in the commemoration of the 65 th anniversary of the Diocese of Mouila created on December 11, 1958. The event which took place on December 10 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Apostle of Mouila was a ceremony to express gratitude to God for the year’s blessings. It was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio of Gabon and Congo, Monsignor Javier Herrera Corona, according to Gabon News .

Ban on heavy goods vehicles

The Ministry of Public Works has placed a ban on the circulation of heavy goods vehicles on the Koumameyong – Ovan road axis, a major road about 440km away from the capital Libreville. According to Infos Gabon the directive is aimed at reducing the effects of erosion on the stretch which poses a danger to drivers. The ministry is planning rehabilitation works in the coming days.

Construction of headquarters for COBAC

The president of the Gabonese Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has laid the first stone for the building of a super headquarters for the Central African Banking Commission (COBAC), the watchdog for the proper functioning of banks and microfinance establishments in the six-member countries of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). The ceremony which happened on December 12 makes way for the construction of the edifice in Libreville, the capital of Gabon, according to media outlet Gabonactu . The decision to establish the headquarters of the institution in Gabon was taken following the Conference of CEMAC Heads of State which was held in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea on June 25, 1999.