Amidst ongoing public discussions fueled by revelations about state-owned properties—many allegedly generating rental income for private individuals—Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a respected bailiff practicing in Libreville, has stepped forward. This public ministerial officer firmly believes the time is ripe for a nationwide assessment of public assets in Gabon. He elaborates on why bailiffs are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in safeguarding these crucial national resources.
The issue of Gabon’s state patrimony has dominated headlines for weeks, following numerous disclosures concerning public buildings. When asked about his perspective on this unfolding situation, Maître Foumane Dounga stated, “Whether these reports are fully substantiated or still require further verification, they undeniably highlight a fundamental challenge: the imperative for a complete understanding of state assets. One simply cannot effectively manage, protect, or enhance the value of public property without a reliable, up-to-date, and legally secure inventory.” He further emphasized that beyond the immediate emotional response to these revelations, this scenario should be viewed as a prime opportunity to initiate a structural overhaul in the administration of public wealth.
On the necessity of a national inventory, Maître Foumane Dounga explained, “A contemporary government must possess precise knowledge of all its holdings, both movable and immovable. Such an inventory would enable the clear identification of each asset, verification of its legal standing, and monitoring of its allocation, occupancy, and any generated income. Primarily, it serves as a critical tool for sound governance. Without an accurate assessment, it becomes exceedingly difficult to pinpoint unauthorized occupations, instances of misappropriation, or revenue losses stemming from poor management of public property.”
When questioned about the specific role of bailiffs in this undertaking, Maître Foumane Dounga articulated, “Bailiffs are public ministerial officers entrusted with a vital authentication mandate. Our profession is specifically tasked with impartially documenting factual situations and endowing them with conclusive probative force.” He continued, “Within the context of a national inventory, involving bailiffs would provide several assurances: operational neutrality, meticulous asset descriptions, precise geographical location, identification of any occupants, and the creation of official reports possessing genuine legal validity. In essence, this would transcend a mere administrative census, evolving into an enforceable, secure, and legally actionable inventory across all judicial bodies.”
Regarding the concrete objectives of such an extensive operation, Maître Foumane Dounga highlighted numerous benefits. “Firstly,” he explained, “it would involve accurately identifying every asset belonging to the Gabonese state, followed by a thorough verification of its legal status and operational use. This exercise would also be instrumental in uncovering any unauthorized occupations or illicit appropriations.” He added, “The overarching goal is to fortify transparency in public asset management, enhance governance, and critically, safeguard the state’s resources for the ultimate welfare of all Gabonese citizens.”
When probed about the initiative’s potential to combat corruption, Maître Foumane Dounga responded unequivocally, “Absolutely. Comprehensive control over public assets represents a significant deterrent against embezzlement and conflicts of interest. When state property is meticulously identified, precisely located, and thoroughly documented, the avenues for irregular appropriation are drastically curtailed.” He further noted, “It also serves as an invaluable decision-making tool for public authorities, enabling them to better leverage state assets, optimize their utilization, and make informed choices regarding their allocation.”
Concluding the discussion with a powerful message to the authorities, Maître Foumane Dounga respectfully appealed to the President of the Republic, urging that this inventory operation be elevated to a national priority. “We are currently navigating a period where the demands for transparency, robust governance, and accountability are exceptionally high,” he observed. “It is, in my view, essential that Gabon equips itself with an exhaustive mapping of its public patrimony. One can only effectively protect what one understands completely.” He concluded, “This comprehensive inventory would not only represent a precious legacy for future generations but also send a strong signal in favor of modern and responsible management of the Nation’s assets.”
