As public debates intensify over revelations of state-owned buildings being illegally exploited by private individuals, the necessity for a rigorous accounting of public property has become a central issue in Gabon. Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a prominent bailiff operating within the Libreville jurisdictions, argues that the current climate presents a critical opportunity to secure the nation’s heritage through a comprehensive national inventory.
The urgency of a transparent public asset registry
The recent controversies surrounding state property and the diversion of rental income highlight a fundamental structural weakness: the lack of a definitive, legally secured record of what the state actually owns. For Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, effective administration is impossible without a reliable and updated database. He suggests that beyond the immediate public outcry, these revelations should serve as a catalyst for a profound reform in how public resources are managed.
A modern state must have a precise understanding of its entire portfolio, including both movable and immovable assets. Such an inventory would allow the government to verify the legal status of every property, monitor its use, and ensure that any generated revenue is correctly directed to the public treasury. Without this clarity, the state remains vulnerable to irregular occupations and significant financial losses due to mismanagement.
The strategic role of bailiffs in securing state property
To ensure the success of this operation, Maître Foumane Dounga advocates for the direct involvement of bailiffs. As ministerial officers, bailiffs are uniquely positioned to provide the necessary legal weight to such an undertaking. Their intervention would guarantee:
- Impartiality: Ensuring the neutrality of the census process.
- Legal Authenticity: Providing detailed descriptions and precise locations that carry probative force.
- Enforceability: Creating records that are legally binding and usable in any court of law.
This approach moves the process beyond a simple administrative list, transforming it into a secure, legally opposable inventory that can effectively challenge unauthorized occupants or those who have improperly appropriated state land and buildings.
A decisive tool against corruption
Establishing total control over the national heritage is a powerful lever for transparency. When every asset is documented and localized, the opportunities for embezzlement and conflicts of interest are drastically reduced. This transparency also serves as a decision-making aid for the authorities, allowing for the optimization of asset use and better valuation of the nation’s wealth.
The ultimate goal is to preserve resources for the benefit of all citizens of Gabon. By identifying every piece of property and its current exploitation status, the government can reclaim lost revenue and ensure that public assets serve the public interest.
An appeal for national priority
Addressing the highest levels of government, Maître Foumane Dounga has called upon the President of the Republic to elevate this inventory to a national priority. In an era where accountability and good governance are paramount, creating a complete mapping of public assets is seen as an essential legacy for future generations. Protecting the nation’s wealth effectively requires knowing it perfectly, signaling a move toward a truly modern and responsible management of the state’s heritage.