As Gabon marked its 66th Independence Day, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou, President of the Forum pour la Défense de la République (FDR) and a former candidate in the August 2023 presidential election, issued an official statement calling upon all national stakeholders to forge a ‘National Consolidation Pact’. This initiative is envisioned as a foundational framework designed to rally patriots around Gabon’s most critical priorities.
The concept championed by the FDR president is neither a proposal for power-sharing nor an insistence for the opposition to abandon its critical role. Instead, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou seeks to establish a collective commitment among the nation’s diverse active forces. « It would, in essence, be about achieving something far simpler, yet simultaneously far more demanding: agreeing on what is truly essential, » he explained.
This proposal emerges amid what Joachim Mbatchi Pambou perceives as a deteriorating public discourse. He particularly laments the transformation of political disagreements into personal confrontations and urges participants to return to a debate rooted in mutual respect. « We can be political adversaries without becoming enemies. We can disagree without harboring hatred, » he asserted, imploring his compatriots to prioritize « the essential. »
According to Mbatchi Pambou, this « essential » foundation should encompass several national priorities: civil peace and national cohesion, adherence to institutions and the rule of law, social justice, reduction of inequalities, job creation, enhancement of public services, and the local transformation of natural resources.
For the former 2023 presidential hopeful, the pact must also contribute to rebuilding trust between citizens and institutions, among political actors, and between Gabon and its diaspora. Specifically, it should facilitate the restoration of national dialogue, define priorities that transcend political transitions, and ensure accountability for commitments made.
Inclusivity
Joachim Mbatchi Pambou envisions this endeavor extending beyond political figures alone. He proposes a dialogue framework that brings together institutions, political forces, civil society organizations, the private sector, trade unions, religious denominations, academics, youth, women, and the diaspora. The ultimate goal would be to identify a limited set of national priorities, establish precise commitments, and enable citizens to regularly assess progress.
This responsibility, he argues, should involve all segments of society. The government, in his view, should « listen more and be more accountable »; while the opposition ought to continue its critical function, but also actively propose solutions. Civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora would similarly have vital roles to play in this national dynamic.
Through this proposition, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou calls for a departure from the mindset where every political divergence escalates into confrontation. He believes that the nation’s development cannot solely rely on its natural resources or potential, but equally on its ability to safeguard national cohesion. « No wealth will ever replace national cohesion. Our primary wealth is our capacity to live together, » he concluded.
