The Gabonese government has recently taken a significant step towards reforming its public administration by dismissing over 1,000 public servants. This move was announced during a cabinet meeting held on September 18, 2026, in Port-Gentil. The decision has sparked widespread debate and discussion in the media and on social networks. To provide clarity on the matter, Minister of Public Service and Capacity Building, Laurence Ndong, held a press conference at the ministry's headquarters in Libreville.
According to Minister Ndong, the dismissals are part of a larger effort to clean up the public administration's records. Out of 1,765 cases examined, 1,473 public servants were dismissed due to various reasons, including abandonment of posts, absenteeism, retirement, and death. A significant number of those dismissed, 603, were temporary workers who were recruited through simple letters of engagement and paid directly by the government. These workers were dismissed directly by a task force set up to oversee the process.
The cases examined originated from 37 ministries and institutions, revealing some absurd situations. For instance, some public servants were still listed as being employed by the Ministry of Good Governance, which has ceased to exist. The majority of dismissals were from three departments: Education (384 dismissals, including 269 for abandonment of post), Health (158 abandonments, 29 reprimands), and Economy and Finance (111 dismissals).
The situation in Gabon's public administration is characterized by a lack of discipline and irregularities. Many public servants had been absent from their posts for up to 15 years, yet still received regular promotions. Some acts were backdated, and there were instances of fake certificates to cover up absences. Furthermore, records showed that 65 deceased public servants were still listed as active, and six retirees had not been removed from the payroll.
Minister Ndong emphasized that the operation is set to expand to the entire administration, with the support of the General Inspectorate of Services. The goal is to ensure that public servants are accountable and that the administration is efficient. The minister's efforts aim to bring transparency and order to the public sector.
The public service overhaul is part of a broader effort to reform the country's administration. The government has been working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public institutions. The mass dismissals are seen as a step towards achieving this goal, but the process is expected to be complex and challenging.
The situation in Gabon's public administration highlights the need for reform and the challenges that come with it. The government's efforts to clean up the system and ensure accountability are crucial for the country's development. Key points to note include:
Key points
- Over 1,000 public servants have been dismissed as part of a nationwide overhaul of Gabon's public administration.
- The dismissals are part of a larger effort to clean up the public administration's records and ensure accountability.
- The operation is set to expand to the entire administration, with the support of the General Inspectorate of Services.
