Gabon begins nationwide savings recount for PosteBank victims

Nine years after PosteBank SA’s collapse—a subsidiary of La Poste whose 2017 bankruptcy froze hard-earned savings across the nation—Libreville is finally taking decisive action. In an official statement released by the Ministry of Communication, the government announced the launch of a comprehensive census of affected depositors, a critical step toward eventual compensation.

Time is of the essence. From June 8 to 11, 2026, all La Poste branches nationwide will operate extended hours—8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—to assist victims in registering their claims. To be included in the updated database, individuals must present valid identification and any documents proving their deposits. The initiative aims to purge fraudulent claims while ensuring every legitimate depositor receives their rightful funds.

Restoring trust through action

This campaign represents more than financial restitution; it signals a broader shift in governance. While past administrations made empty promises, the current administration has prioritized resolving this long-standing crisis since early 2025. By addressing the PosteBank fiasco head-on, officials seek to rebuild shattered public trust in state institutions.

31 billion XAF earmarked for individual depositors

The stakes are enormous. Official records show nearly 60,000 private savers lost access to their funds in the collapse. To rectify this, the government has allocated 31.212 billion West African francs (XAF) for reimbursement, to be disbursed over three years in equal annual installments. Businesses, also caught in the crisis, face an estimated 41.154 billion XAF shortfall, though their repayment schedule remains under review. With the wheels now in motion, restitution is no longer a distant hope but an imminent reality.