As Gabon marked its 66th Independence Day, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou, President of the Forum for the Defense of the Republic (FDR) and a former presidential candidate in August 2023, issued an official communication advocating for a “National Consolidation Pact”. This initiative is envisioned as a foundational framework designed to unite all patriots around Gabon’s most critical national priorities.
The concept put forth by the FDR president is neither a proposal for power-sharing nor a demand for the opposition to abandon its fundamental role. Instead, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou seeks to forge a collective commitment among the nation’s diverse vital forces. He articulated his vision, stating, « It would, in fact, be about achieving something much simpler, yet simultaneously far more demanding: agreeing on the essentials. »
This significant proposition emerges amidst a climate that Joachim Mbatchi Pambou perceives as a decline in public discourse. He specifically laments the transformation of political disagreements into personal animosities and urges all stakeholders to re-engage in respectful debate. « We can be political adversaries without becoming enemies. We can disagree without hating each other, » he asserted, imploring his fellow citizens to focus on « the essential. »
According to Mbatchi Pambou, this « essential » foundation should encompass several national imperatives: fostering civil peace and national cohesion, upholding institutions and the rule of law, promoting social justice, actively reducing inequalities, stimulating job creation, enhancing public services, and facilitating the local processing of natural resources.
For the former 2023 presidential contender, the proposed pact must also be instrumental in rebuilding trust – not only between citizens and institutions and among political actors, but also between Gabon and its diaspora. Fundamentally, it aims to revitalize national dialogue, establish priorities that transcend political transitions, and ensure accountability for commitments made.
Inclusivity at the forefront
Joachim Mbatchi Pambou’s vision extends beyond mere political engagement. He proposes a comprehensive dialogue platform that would bring together governmental institutions, political forces, civil society organizations, the private sector, trade unions, religious denominations, academics, youth, women, and the diaspora. The ultimate goal is to identify a limited set of crucial national priorities, establish precise commitments, and enable citizens to regularly assess progress against these benchmarks.
This shared responsibility, he contends, must involve every segment of society. The government, in his view, should « listen more and be more accountable, » while the opposition should continue its critical function while also offering constructive proposals. Civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora are equally expected to play active roles in this national dynamic.
Through this bold proposition, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou calls for a departure from a mindset where every political divergence escalates into confrontation. He firmly believes that the nation’s development cannot solely rely on its natural resources or inherent potential, but critically depends on its ability to safeguard national cohesion. « No wealth will ever replace national cohesion. Our primary wealth is our capacity to live together, » he concluded emphatically.
