Amidst a surging public discourse surrounding revelations that state-owned properties in Gabon are allegedly generating rental income for private entities, I recently engaged in a conversation with Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a distinguished judicial officer practicing before the courts of Libreville. For this esteemed public ministerial officer, the opportune moment has arrived to initiate a nationwide inventory of public patrimony. He articulated precisely why judicial officers are uniquely positioned to play a decisive role in securing these vital state assets.
For several weeks, the question of state patrimony has been central to current affairs, fueled by disclosures regarding certain public buildings. I asked Maître Axel Foumane Dounga for his assessment of this evolving situation.
Maître Axel Foumane Dounga observed, “These reports, whether fully established or still requiring verification, at the very least succeed in highlighting a fundamental issue: the absolute necessity of thoroughly understanding the state’s patrimony. One cannot effectively administer, safeguard, or enhance the value of assets for which there is no reliable, up-to-date, and legally sound inventory.”
He added, “Beyond the emotional impact generated by these revelations, this situation must be recognized as an opportunity to embark on a structural reform of public asset management.”
I then inquired why he considers such a national inventory indispensable today.
“Because a modern state must have precise knowledge of all its holdings, whether movable or immovable,” he elaborated. “This inventory would allow for the identification of each asset, verification of its legal status, control over its assignment, occupancy, and, where applicable, the revenues it generates. It is, above all, a tool for sound governance. Without a precise assessment, it becomes challenging to detect irregular occupations, misappropriations, or revenue losses that could arise from poor management of public patrimony.”
Considering their unique role, I asked why he believes judicial officers should be involved in this operation.
“Judicial officers are public ministerial officers invested with a mission of authentication,” he affirmed. “Our profession is specifically charged with impartially observing factual situations and bestowing upon them a probative legal force.”
“Within the framework of a national inventory, the involvement of judicial officers would offer several guarantees: the neutrality of operations, detailed descriptions of assets, their precise location, identification of potential occupants, and the establishment of official reports (procès-verbaux) possessing genuine legal value. In other words, it would not be a mere administrative census, but a legally enforceable, secure, and actionable inventory before all jurisdictions.”
I pressed for more detail on the concrete objectives of such an operation.
“They are numerous,” he stated. “It would first involve precisely identifying all properties belonging to the state, then verifying their legal status as well as their mode of exploitation. This exercise would also enable the detection of any unauthorized occupations or illicit appropriations.”
“The objective is also to strengthen transparency in the management of public patrimony, improve governance, and, most importantly, preserve the state’s resources for the benefit of all Gabonese citizens.”
I then inquired if he believes this initiative could contribute to the fight against corruption.
“Most definitively,” he asserted. “A thorough understanding of public patrimony constitutes a major lever for preventing embezzlement and conflicts of interest. When assets are perfectly identified, located, and documented, the possibilities for irregular appropriation become significantly more limited.”
“It is also an invaluable decision-making tool for public authorities, enabling them to better valorize state assets, optimize their utilization, or decide on their allocation with complete awareness.”
Finally, I asked what message he wished to convey to the authorities.
“I respectfully appeal to the President of the Republic for this inventory operation to become a national priority,” he concluded. “We are living through a period where demands for transparency, good governance, and accountability are particularly strong. It appears essential that Gabon equips itself with an exhaustive mapping of its public patrimony.”
“One can only effectively protect what one knows perfectly. This 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.”
