Joachim Mbatchi Pambou champions a national consolidation pact for Gabon

As Gabon commemorates its 66th Independence Day, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou, President of the Forum for the Defense of the Republic (FDR) and a contender in the August 2023 presidential election, has issued an official statement urging all national stakeholders to embrace a ‘National Consolidation Pact’. This initiative is presented as a vital framework designed to unite patriotic citizens around Gabon’s most pressing national priorities.

The concept put forth by the FDR president is explicitly not a proposal for power-sharing, nor does it seek to diminish the opposition’s role. Instead, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou aims to forge a collective commitment among Gabon’s various active forces. He clarifies, “It would, in essence, involve something far simpler, yet simultaneously more demanding: reaching a consensus on what truly matters.”

This significant proposition emerges amidst what Joachim Mbatchi Pambou perceives as a decline in public discourse. He particularly laments the current trend where political disagreements frequently escalate into personal animosities, advocating for a return to respectful and constructive debate. “We can be political adversaries without becoming enemies. We can hold differing views without harboring hatred,” he asserts, imploring his fellow citizens to prioritize “the essential.”

According to Mbatchi Pambou, this “essential” foundation should encompass several key national priorities: fostering civil peace and national cohesion, upholding institutions and the rule of law, advancing social justice, actively reducing inequalities, stimulating job creation, enhancing public services, and promoting the local transformation of natural resources.

The former 2023 presidential candidate believes this pact is also crucial for rebuilding trust—between citizens and institutions, among political actors, and importantly, between Gabon and its diaspora. It aims to revitalize national dialogue, establish priorities that transcend political transitions, and ensure accountability for commitments made.

Inclusivity

Joachim Mbatchi Pambou envisions this critical endeavor extending beyond political figures. He advocates for a comprehensive dialogue platform that brings together institutions, political entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, trade unions, religious denominations, academics, youth, women, and the diaspora. The primary objective is to pinpoint a limited number of national priorities, establish precise commitments, and enable citizens to consistently monitor progress.

This shared responsibility, he argues, must involve all segments of society. The government, in his view, should “listen more attentively and be more accountable,” while the opposition should continue to offer critique, but also present viable alternatives. Civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora are likewise expected to play active roles in this national dynamic.

Through this thoughtful proposal, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou urges a departure from a mindset where every political divergence devolves into confrontation. He firmly believes that Gabon’s development cannot solely depend on its natural wealth or potential, but equally on its capacity to preserve national cohesion. He concludes, “No amount of wealth will ever replace national cohesion. Our foremost asset is our ability to coexist.”