Gabon’s state assets: bailiffs advocate for a national inventory

Amidst recent public debate fueled by revelations concerning state-owned buildings allegedly generating rent for private individuals, we engaged with Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a bailiff practicing within the Libreville judicial system. This public ministerial officer firmly believes the time is opportune for launching a comprehensive national inventory of public assets. He outlines the critical role bailiffs can play in safeguarding Gabon’s state properties.

The issue of state patrimony has been central to public discourse for weeks, following disclosures about certain public buildings. How do you view this unfolding situation?

Maître Axel Foumane Dounga : These emerging details, whether fully substantiated or still requiring verification, undeniably serve to highlight a fundamental challenge: the imperative for thorough knowledge of state assets. It is simply impossible to effectively manage, protect, or enhance the value of public property without a reliable, current, and legally robust inventory.

Beyond the immediate public sentiment these revelations have sparked, this scenario should be viewed as a crucial opportunity to initiate a structural overhaul in the administration of public wealth.

You advocate for a national inventory. Why do you consider this undertaking to be indispensable at this moment?

Because a modern state must possess precise knowledge of all its holdings, both movable and immovable. Such an inventory would facilitate the identification of each asset, verification of its legal status, oversight of its assignment, occupation, and any revenue it might generate.
Fundamentally, it represents a vital instrument for good governance. Without an accurate assessment, it becomes exceedingly difficult to pinpoint unauthorized occupations, misappropriations, or revenue losses that could stem from poor management of public assets.

Why do you believe bailiffs should be integral to this comprehensive operation?

Bailiffs are public ministerial officers entrusted with an authentication mandate. Our profession is specifically tasked with impartially observing factual situations and imbuing them with conclusive probative force.

Within the framework of a national inventory, engaging bailiffs would provide several assurances: the impartiality of the processes, thorough descriptions of properties, their exact locations, the identification of any current occupants, and the drafting of official reports possessing genuine legal weight. In essence, this would transcend a mere administrative census, evolving into an enforceable, secure, and legally actionable inventory valid across all jurisdictions.

Practically speaking, what would be the primary objectives of such an extensive undertaking?

The objectives are multifaceted.

Initially, it would involve precisely identifying all assets belonging to the state, followed by verifying their legal standing and operational use. This process would also enable the detection of any unauthorized occupations or illicit appropriations.

Furthermore, a key aim is to bolster transparency in the management of public patrimony, enhance governance, and crucially, safeguard state resources for the collective benefit of all Gabonais citizens.

Do you believe this initiative could significantly contribute to the fight against corruption?

Absolutely. Comprehensive mastery of public assets serves as a powerful deterrent against embezzlement and conflicts of interest. When a patrimony is thoroughly identified, precisely located, and meticulously documented, the opportunities for irregular appropriation are drastically curtailed.

Moreover, it offers an invaluable decision-making instrument for public authorities, enabling them to better appreciate the value of state properties, optimize their utilization, or determine their allocation with full awareness and informed judgment. This is a crucial step for improved governance Africa.

What message do you wish to convey to the authorities?

I respectfully urge the President of the Republic to elevate this inventory operation to a national priority. We are currently navigating an era where demands for transparency, robust good governance, and accountability are exceptionally pronounced. It appears fundamental that Gabon equips itself with an exhaustive mapping of its public patrimony.

One can only effectively safeguard what one fully comprehends. This comprehensive inventory would represent an invaluable legacy for future generations and a strong affirmation of modern, responsible stewardship over the Nation’s assets, reinforcing positive African politics.