The Gabonese government's efforts to reform the country's troubled football sector have been overshadowed by controversy surrounding the electoral commission's decision to restart the process for electing the Comité exécutif (Comex) of the Fédération gabonaise de football (Fégafoot). This move has sparked concerns about the legitimacy of the process and whether it adheres to the statutes governing the country's football.
In 2012, a crisis over the election of Moukagni Iwangou led to the Fégafoot being plunged into a state of paralysis, prompting the Fédération internationale de football association (Fifa) to intervene and establish a normalization committee, led by Ndoumbou Likouni. This committee produced new statutes, which were approved by Fifa in 2013 and have governed the Fégafoot ever since.
The current controversy centers on the 63rd Congrès de la Fégafoot, which was held on June 29, 2025, despite the statutes requiring an annual congress by March 31. Furthermore, there appears to have been no congress in 2026, which is a critical step in the electoral process, as it is the congress that gives approval for the outgoing Comex to continue or not.
The Commission électorale, led by Jean-Luc Ndongo, has announced a new electoral schedule, including the opening of fresh candidatures. However, this move has raised questions about the status of the initial election, which was suspended by the government. The government had established a task force to reform the football sector, and it is unclear why the Commission électorale is now taking charge of the electoral process.
The situation has sparked concerns about the potential for another crisis in Gabonese football, which could undermine efforts to restore stability and calm in the sector. The Commission électorale's actions have been criticized for seeming to assume a permanent role and attempting to convene the congress, rather than being an ad hoc body established by the congress to oversee the electoral process.
Experts have suggested that an extraordinary congress may be necessary to resolve the impasse and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the statutes of the Fégafoot. Additionally, there are concerns that Fifa may not be able to substitute for the congress of the federation in this matter, and that the Commission électorale's actions may not be legitimate.
The controversy has highlighted the need for clarity and adherence to the statutes governing Gabonese football, as well as the importance of ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, legitimate, and conducted in accordance with the country's football laws. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the electoral process is fair, credible, and reflects the will of the stakeholders involved.
Key points
- The Commission électorale's decision to restart the electoral process has raised concerns about legitimacy and adherence to the country's football statutes.
- The controversy has sparked concerns about the potential for another crisis in Gabonese football.
- An extraordinary congress may be necessary to resolve the impasse and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the statutes of the Fégafoot.
