The Gabonese Parliament recently hosted a two-day seminar on managing, conserving, and valorizing parliamentary archives, which concluded at the Palais Léon Mba in Libreville. The event, supported by the Programme d'appui à la coopération parlementaire (PACOP) and the French Parliament, brought together officials from the National Assembly and Senate. The seminar focused on repositioning the documentary memory at the center of the functioning of both chambers.
The seminar addressed the importance of preserving essential documents, including bills, minutes of meetings, and internal regulations, which constitute a vital heritage that needs to be structured and secured. Participants emphasized the need for a rigorous documentary policy, including classification, securing, and selection of contents. This approach goes beyond mere digitization of paper documents.
According to Estelle Obe Zoghessie, a Gabonese archivist expert, it is crucial to start with existing physical documents and selectively digitize them, as not all documents can be digitized. This approach will enable the parliament to prioritize and manage its archives effectively. The seminar provided a platform for experts to share knowledge and best practices in archive management.
Jean-Luc Toung Ondo, Director General of Legislative Services, highlighted the institutional significance of the initiative, noting that archives constitute a public and private administrative heritage. He emphasized that preserving and valorizing this heritage is essential for providing historical references for current and future generations.
The seminar is part of a broader administrative modernization plan led by the President of the National Assembly, Michel Régis Onanga M. Ndiaye, and the President of the Senate, Huguette Nyana Okoume épouse Awori Onanga. The plan aims to adapt legislative information management to current digital standards, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of parliamentary processes.
The event was attended by officials from various departments, including archives, research, computer services, and mail services from both the National Assembly and Senate. The participants discussed ways to implement the knowledge and skills acquired during the seminar, ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of parliamentary archives.
The conclusion of the seminar marks a significant step towards modernizing the management of legislative information in Gabon. By prioritizing the conservation and digitization of parliamentary archives, the Gabonese Parliament aims to enhance its institutional capacity and provide better services to citizens.
Key points
- The seminar was supported by the Programme d'appui à la coopération parlementaire (PACOP) and the French Parliament.
- The event aimed to reposition the documentary memory at the center of the functioning of both chambers.
- The seminar emphasized the need for a rigorous documentary policy, including classification, securing, and selection of contents.
