Madagascar’s president explores Gabon’s development model

During his official visit to Libreville, the President of Madagascar’s Refoundation, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, spent his second day touring key landmarks in Gabon’s capital. On Saturday, June 6, accompanied by Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, he visited the Cité Émeraude, the Baie des Rois, and the Cité de la Démocratie. At the latter site, he explored the banquet hall, the Congress Palace, and the Omar Bongo Ondimba Museum.

Following this “tourism marathon,” the Malagasy leader expressed admiration for Gabon’s transformation. He highlighted how these achievements reflect a broader trend among African leaders to modernize their nations and expedite progress. “Everything I witnessed in Gabon embodies the determination of multiple African presidents to advance their countries and the continent,” he remarked. While acknowledging that Gabon’s model cannot be replicated identically, given differing national contexts, he praised the transitional government’s accomplishments.

Randrianirina emphasized that some of Gabon’s developments were previously seen as unattainable in such a short timeframe—but the country achieved them. He stressed the importance of learning from Gabon’s experience to support Madagascar’s own refoundation process. “We will strive, as mentioned earlier, to learn from Gabon to successfully steer Madagascar’s refoundation and ensure the country is ready for presidential elections as soon as possible,” he stated. His remarks underscored a clear goal: accelerating Madagascar’s path toward timely elections. The colonel departed Libreville mid-morning the following day.