Gabon initiates census to repay PosteBank savers

Nearly a decade after the collapse of PosteBank SA, which left countless citizens without access to their life savings in 2017, the government is finally moving forward with a restitution plan. Following an official announcement from the Ministry of Communication on June 6, 2026, a nationwide registration drive has been launched to identify and verify every affected depositor.

The registration window is brief. From June 8 to June 11, 2026, La Poste branches across Gabon will remain open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to process claims. To be included in the compensation list, individuals must present a valid form of identification along with any supporting documents that prove their account balances. This rapid census is designed to sanitize and update the existing database, ensuring that funds are distributed accurately and that fraudulent claims are blocked.

Fulfilling a transition government pledge

This operation represents a significant shift in how the state handles its social obligations. While the previous administration offered little more than empty rhetoric regarding the bank’s failure, the current leadership prioritized the resolution of this crisis in February 2025. By tackling this long-standing grievance, the authorities aim to heal a deep wound in the national economy and restore the broken bond of trust between the state and its people.

Over 31 billion CFA francs allocated for individuals

The scale of the financial recovery is immense, impacting approximately 60,000 individual savers. To cover these liabilities, the government has set aside a total of 31.212 billion CFA francs. The repayment strategy involves a three-year disbursement cycle, with one-third of the total amount being paid out annually. Beyond individual accounts, corporate entities are also seeking the recovery of roughly 41.154 billion CFA francs. Although the specific schedule for business repayments is still being determined, the mechanism for returning money to private citizens is now fully operational.