7 billion FCFA for each Gabonese province: Where did this money go?

During his tour across Gabon, transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema promised to allocate 7 billion CFA francs to each province visited . This fund was intended to resolve chronic problems such as access to water, electricity, and to curb the rural exodus. Several months after these announcements, Gabonese people are wondering: what happened to these billions? And above all, who manages them?

A Grand Promise, Invisible Results

Gabonese people still remember these high-profile visits , during which Oligui Nguema promised to boost provincial development through a substantial budget. In the provinces most affected by the difficulties of daily life – particularly access to drinking water and reliable electricity – this promise had revived hope for rapid improvement. However, to date, few, if any, concrete projects have seen the light of day.

In many areas, residents are wondering where these billions have gone. Promises to rehabilitate infrastructure have not been kept, and the rural exodus continues, driven by the lack of basic services in peripheral areas. The lack of visible results fuels suspicions of mismanagement or, worse, misappropriation of funds.

Who actually manages these funds…and where do they come from?

Another point that concerns the Gabonese is the management of funds. According to several reports, it is sometimes the ministers themselves who are responsible for the distribution and use of these 7 billion, instead of the provincial administrations. This excessive centralization of management creates blockages and administrative delays, and in some cases, opens the door to potential abuses.

In some provinces, local representatives complain that they have no visibility on the use of the allocated funds, and deplore the fact that decisions are made in Libreville, far from the realities on the ground. This situation reinforces doubts about the transparency and rigor of the process. Voices are being raised, such as that of the Internet user @mpagm2014 on X demanding accountability and a clear explanation on the use of the funds.

But another question is on everyone's lips: where does this money come from? And above all... Does it really exist, or is it just a publicity stunt designed to deceive the population? Whether it exists or not, the vagueness surrounding this communication operation remains far too opaque.

What happened to the various #checks of 7 billion allocated to each province during the #republican tour ? Is there a follow-up of these "donations" from the head of state, Oligui Nguema? A #Gabonese asks #Unusual #Libreville #Gabon pic.twitter.com/YEL77bvm7g

— MPAGM (@Mpagm2014) October 2, 2024

The purchase of social peace?

For some observers, this massive distribution of funds to the provinces could be seen as a political strategy by Oligui Nguema to consolidate his power. While the country is in the midst of a transition period, some see it as a disguised way of buying the loyalty of local leaders and calming discontent in regions historically neglected by previous governments.

However, the lack of rigorous control and transparency fuels fears of misuse of public money. One might wonder whether this money was really used to improve the living conditions of Gabonese people or whether it was simply used to strengthen the influence networks of the central government. The fact that some provinces have entrusted the management of the funds to ministers instead of local authorities adds credence to these speculations.

A population waiting for answers

The lack of monitoring and transparency is at the heart of Gabonese concerns. Several initiatives had been announced to account for the use of these funds, but so far, no public report has been published. Calls for an independent audit or a commission of inquiry are beginning to be heard in civil society, in order to ensure that taxpayers' money has been spent in the public interest and not to satisfy personal political ambitions.

A wasted opportunity?

If these funds were used properly, they could represent a unique opportunity for the development of Gabon's provinces. Improving access to drinking water, repairing road infrastructure, and electrifying rural areas could all transform the lives of thousands of Gabonese. But for now, this promise seems far away, and citizens are growing impatient.