In the Gabonese province of Haut-Ogooué, municipal leaders are gearing up for the 6th General Assembly of Mayors, scheduled for October 7-9. The mayor of Franceville, Fernand Paulin Joumas, recently convened a meeting with municipal councillors from the eleven communes of Haut-Ogooué and the four arrondissements of Franceville to intensify preparations for the event. The assembly will focus on decentralization and its effective implementation.
The meeting aimed to review the current state of preparations and address concerns raised by local elected officials. Discussions centered on the decentralization process, with a particular emphasis on the transfer of financial resources necessary for local authorities to exercise their competencies. According to Joumas, this issue extends beyond the provincial level and concerns all territorial collectivities in the country.
Local mayors expressed their concerns and expectations regarding decentralization. Marie Joséphine Bongotsila, mayor of Ngouoni, stressed the need for fully operational decentralization, enabling local elected officials to effectively respond to population needs. Brigitte Boukamba, mayor of Bakoumba, emphasized the importance of strengthening the execution of acts and contracts of collectivities, going beyond mere salary coverage.
Willy Outou Mbani, mayor of Boumango, called for collective reflection on common difficulties faced by local collectivities, including the conference of mayors and intercommunality. These concerns are expected to be examined during workshops and plenary sessions planned for the assembly. The event, themed "Decentralization and its Effectiveness for the Populations of Our Terroirs," has already mobilized the various commissions responsible for its organization.
In Franceville, the capital of Haut-Ogooué, preparations are underway. Joumas assured that "the countdown has started, and nothing is left to chance." He expressed confidence that, on the eve of the event, all preparations will be complete. The assembly aims to bring together mayors from across Gabon to discuss decentralization and its impact on local populations.
The 6th General Assembly of Mayors is expected to provide a platform for local leaders to share experiences and best practices in decentralization. The event will also feature ateliers and plenary sessions, offering opportunities for in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities presented by decentralization. By engaging in these discussions, local leaders hope to find solutions to common problems and strengthen their capacities to serve their populations effectively.
As the assembly approaches, local authorities are working to ensure a successful event. With a focus on decentralization and its effective implementation, the 6th General Assembly of Mayors promises to be a significant gathering of municipal leaders in Gabon. The outcome of the assembly is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of local populations, who are eagerly awaiting more effective decentralization.
Key points
- The 6th General Assembly of Mayors will focus on decentralization and its effective implementation in Gabon.
- Local mayors have expressed concerns about the transfer of financial resources and the need for strengthened execution of acts and contracts of collectivities.
- The assembly aims to bring together mayors from across Gabon to discuss decentralization and its impact on local populations.
