Gabon’s military-installed Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, has revealed plans for a “national dialogue” to be held next year. Sima, who assumed power after a coup d’etat toppled President Ali Bongo last month, stated that this dialogue would lay the groundwork for the drafting of a new constitution. Speaking at a press conference, Sima emphasized the importance of gathering input from all segments of society, declaring that “everyone has something to say.”
The Prime Minister announced that an appeal for contributions towards the dialogue would be launched next week, inviting Gabonese citizens from diverse backgrounds to share their opinions and ideas. Sima aims to compile a summary of these contributions by the end of January as a basis for the national dialogue, which he hopes will take place between April and June. He stressed the urgency of this process, explaining that a military command cannot indefinitely govern in a transitional situation. “We are a civil society,” Sima stated. “We belong to institutional bodies, and we must respect the clauses of these bodies.”
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the coup and now Gabon’s transitional president, has pledged to restore civilian rule through elections after a transitional period. However, no specific timeline has been provided for this transition. The Bongo family, which had ruled Gabon for nearly 60 years, saw its control of the oil-rich Central African country come to an end as a result of the coup. Widespread discontent had grown over the years due to allegations that the family hoarded Gabon’s wealth and failed to share it with the population.
Prime Minister Ndong Sima is an outspoken critic of former President Ali Bongo and a French-educated economist. He previously served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014 before resigning. In 2016 and again this year, he ran against Bongo in the presidential elections as part of an opposition coalition, highlighting the need for change and reform.
The call for a national dialogue and the prospect of a new constitution have generated mixed reactions within Gabon. Some view it as a positive step towards restoring democracy and addressing long-standing grievances, while others remain skeptical of the intentions and credibility of the military-backed government. Nonetheless, the dialogue offers an opportunity for the Gabonese people to participate in shaping the country’s future and ensuring that the new constitution reflects their aspirations.
Gabon, with its significant oil reserves and rich biodiversity, has the potential for substantial economic growth and development. However, achieving this potential requires stable and inclusive governance systems that prioritize the welfare and interests of the population. The national dialogue, if conducted transparently and inclusively, may help lay the foundation for a more democratic and accountable political system in Gabon.
As the plans for the national dialogue take shape, Gabonese citizens eagerly await the opportunity to voice their concerns, hopes, and visions for a better future. The success of this process will depend on the government’s commitment to facilitating meaningful participation from all segments of society and ensuring that the dialogue leads to concrete actions that address the longstanding challenges facing the country.
Image Credit: REUTERS/Stringe
