The first National Day for Retirees and Seniors was celebrated in Gabon on October 1, 2026, with an official launch at the Palais des congrès Omar Bongo Ondimba in the Cité de la Démocratie. The event was attended by Vice President of the Government Hermann Immongault and several government members. The day is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and contributions of retirees and seniors to the nation.
The celebrations continued at the Arambo esplanade, where exhibitions and entertainment events were held. The day is themed "Le bien-être du retraité et de la personne âgée à l'ère de la Ve République" (The well-being of retirees and seniors in the era of the Fifth Republic). Vice President Immongault emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting the contributions of seniors, who have worked, taught, cared for, and built the country.
In his address, Vice President Immongault highlighted the government's efforts to improve the lives of retirees and seniors. He mentioned the reforms undertaken by the Caisse des pensions et des prestations familiales (CPPF) and the Caisse nationale de sécurité sociale (CNSS), including the payment of 66 billion FCFA in pension arrears in 2024 and 2025.
The Vice President also announced plans to strengthen social infrastructure, including the construction of retirement homes and community centers. These initiatives aim to provide retirees and seniors with a better quality of life and a platform for social interaction. The government has also been working to harmonize the pension regimes for workers with mixed careers in the public and private sectors.
Minister of Social Affairs Armande Longo-Moulengui expressed her gratitude to President Oligui Nguema for his efforts to improve the living conditions of retirees and seniors. She assured the attendees that the government is committed to prioritizing their needs and concerns. The minister also highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of seniors to the country's development.
The National Day for Retirees and Seniors is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, which aims to promote the well-being and dignity of seniors. The event is expected to become an annual celebration, providing an opportunity for the government to engage with retirees and seniors and address their concerns.
The first National Day for Retirees and Seniors marks a significant milestone in Gabon's social history, demonstrating the government's commitment to recognizing and honoring the contributions of its seniors. The event is a testament to the country's efforts to promote social cohesion and solidarity between generations.
Key points
- The Gabonese government has undertaken reforms to improve the lives of retirees and seniors, including the payment of pension arrears and the construction of social infrastructure.
