On November 9, 2026, Gabon President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema announced an additional 4 billion FCFA in funding to support families affected by recent demolitions in the Diba-Diba, Okala, and Lac Bleu neighborhoods. This move aims to provide further compensation and assistance to those impacted by the demolition operations. The announcement was made during a meeting with government officials and stakeholders involved in the process.

According to the official communication, each affected family will receive a plot of land with a title deed in their name. This decision is part of the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of the demolitions and ensure that those displaced are adequately compensated. The additional funding brings the total amount allocated for these areas to over 7.7 billion FCFA.

President Oligui Nguema emphasized the importance of considering the human and social aspects of the demolition process. He acknowledged the emotional and financial attachment people have to their homes, where they have raised their families and invested their savings. The President stressed that a city cannot modernize at the expense of its residents, but rather in conjunction with them.

The President instructed the government to ensure that every affected family is accounted for and provided with adequate support until the last family is resettled. This directive underscores the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in the demolition and compensation process.

The demolition operations in Diba-Diba, Okala, and Lac Bleu are part of a larger urban development project aimed at modernizing and expanding the city's infrastructure. However, the process has been met with resistance from affected residents, who have expressed concerns about the adequacy of compensation and the impact on their livelihoods.

The Gabonese government's efforts to balance urban development with social responsibility are being closely watched by stakeholders and residents. The allocation of additional funds and plots of land is seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns of affected families and promoting a more inclusive and sustainable urban development strategy.

The government's commitment to providing support to affected families and ensuring their voices are heard is crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in the urban development process. As the project moves forward, it is essential that the government continues to prioritize the needs and concerns of residents, while also working to achieve its development goals.

Key points

  • President Oligui Nguema allocates 4 billion FCFA in additional funding for families affected by demolitions in Diba-Diba, Okala, and Lac Bleu.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.