Maître Axel Foumane calls for a comprehensive national audit of Gabon’s public assets

As public debate intensifies over revelations concerning state-owned buildings whose rents are allegedly being collected by private individuals, Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a judicial officer based in Libreville, is speaking out. For this ministerial public official, the time has come to launch a national inventory of public property. He outlines why judicial officers could play a decisive role in securing the state’s assets.

A necessary response to asset management concerns

The management of state property has returned to the forefront of national news following reports about several public buildings. Addressing this situation, Maître Axel Foumane Dounga emphasizes that whether these reports are fully verified or require further investigation, they highlight a fundamental issue: the lack of precise knowledge regarding state holdings.

“One cannot effectively manage, protect, or enhance a heritage without a reliable, updated, and legally secure inventory,” he explains. Beyond the public outcry, he views the current climate as a strategic opportunity to implement a structural reform in the management of public goods.

The urgency of a national inventory

The proposal for a national inventory is rooted in the requirements of a modern state. According to Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, the government must have an exact understanding of all its assets, both movable and immovable. Such a process would allow for the identification of every property, the verification of its legal status, and the monitoring of its use and any revenue it generates.

This initiative is primarily a tool for good governance. Without a clear assessment, detecting irregular occupation, embezzlement, or the loss of potential revenue due to mismanagement becomes nearly impossible.

The strategic role of judicial officers

Why involve judicial officers in this process? As ministerial public officials, they are tasked with a mission of authentication. Their profession is specifically designed to observe factual situations with total impartiality and provide them with legal weight.

“In the context of a national inventory, involving judicial officers would provide several guarantees: neutrality, detailed descriptions of assets, precise localization, and the identification of occupants,” notes Maître Axel Foumane Dounga. This would transform a simple administrative count into a legally binding inventory that is enforceable before any court.

Combatting corruption and ensuring transparency

The primary objectives of this operation are clear: identify all state property, verify legal standing, and analyze how these assets are being utilized. This exercise would also expose any unauthorized occupations or improper appropriations.

Furthermore, mastering the state’s heritage is a major lever in preventing corruption and conflicts of interest. When assets are fully documented and localized, the opportunities for irregular appropriation are significantly reduced. This data would also serve as a vital decision-making tool for public authorities to optimize the use of national resources.

A call to the highest authorities

In a direct appeal to the President of the Republic, Maître Axel Foumane Dounga urges that this inventory become a national priority. He believes that in an era where transparency and accountability are paramount, Gabon must establish an exhaustive map of its public property.

“We can only effectively protect what we perfectly know,” he concludes. Such an inventory would represent a valuable legacy for future generations and send a powerful signal in favor of modern and responsible management of the nation’s wealth.