Amidst ongoing public discussions in Gabon, fueled by revelations concerning state-owned properties whose rental incomes are reportedly being collected by private entities, we sought the insights of Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a judicial officer practicing in Libreville. This public ministerial officer firmly believes the time is ripe for a comprehensive national inventory of public assets. He articulates why judicial officers could play a decisive role in securing these vital state resources.

Q: The issue of Gabon’s state patrimony has been central to recent news, with disclosures about certain public buildings. How do you view this unfolding situation?

Maître Axel Foumane Dounga: These revelations, whether fully substantiated or still requiring verification, undeniably highlight a crucial challenge: the imperative for a complete understanding of the state’s assets. It is simply impossible to effectively administer, safeguard, or maximize the value of a heritage for which one lacks a reliable, up-to-date, and legally sound inventory.

Beyond the immediate emotional response these disclosures provoke, this situation should be recognized as a unique opportunity to initiate a structural reform in the management of public property.

Q: You advocate for a national inventory. Why do you believe this step is indispensable today?

Because a modern state must possess precise knowledge of all its holdings, encompassing both movable and immovable assets. Such an inventory would facilitate the clear identification of each property, verify its legal status, monitor its allocation, occupancy, and, where applicable, the revenues it generates.
It serves primarily as a tool for robust governance. Without a detailed assessment, it becomes exceedingly difficult to detect irregular occupations, misappropriations, or revenue losses that might stem from inadequate public asset management.

Q: Why do you contend that judicial officers should be integral to this process?

Judicial officers are public ministerial officers vested with a crucial mission of authentication. Our profession is specifically tasked with impartially observing factual situations and conferring upon them undeniable probative force.

In the context of a national inventory, engaging judicial officers would provide several assurances: the neutrality of operations, a meticulous description of assets, their precise localization, the identification of any occupants, and the establishment of official reports possessing genuine legal weight. In essence, this would transcend a mere administrative census, evolving into an enforceable, secure, and legally actionable inventory usable across all jurisdictions.

Q: Concretely, what would be the primary objectives of such an operation?

The objectives are numerous.

Initially, it would involve precisely identifying all properties belonging to the state, followed by verifying their legal status and their operational mode. This exercise would also enable the detection of any unauthorized occupations or illicit appropriations.

The overarching goal is also to bolster transparency in public asset management, enhance governance, and, critically, preserve the state’s resources for the collective benefit of all Gabonians.

Q: Do you believe this initiative could significantly contribute to the fight against corruption?

Absolutely. Gaining complete control over public assets represents a major leverage point in preventing misappropriation and conflicts of interest. When a patrimony is perfectly identified, localized, and thoroughly documented, the opportunities for irregular appropriation become significantly constrained.

It also stands as an invaluable decision-making tool for public authorities, empowering them to better valorize state assets, optimize their utilization, or determine their allocation with full knowledge and confidence.

Q: What message do you wish to convey to the authorities?

I respectfully appeal to the President of the Republic to elevate this inventory operation to a national priority. We are currently navigating a period where demands for transparency, sound governance, and accountability are particularly pronounced. It appears essential to me that Gabon equip itself with an exhaustive mapping of its public patrimony.

One can only effectively protect what one knows perfectly. This comprehensive inventory would constitute a precious legacy for future generations and send a strong signal in favor of modern and responsible management of the Nation’s assets.