As Gabon commemorated its 66th Independence Day, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou, President of the Forum for the Defense of the Republic (FDR) and a former presidential contender in August 2023, issued an official statement. In his address, he extended an invitation to all national stakeholders to forge a ‘National Consolidation Pact’. This proposed agreement is envisioned as a foundational framework designed to unite patriots around Gabon’s most critical priorities.
The vision put forth by the FDR president is neither a proposal for power-sharing nor an appeal for the opposition to abandon its fundamental role. Instead, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou seeks to establish a shared commitment among the diverse active forces within the nation. He articulated his objective: « In essence, it’s about achieving something far simpler, yet simultaneously more demanding: reaching a consensus on what truly matters. »
This proposition emerges amid what Joachim Mbatchi Pambou perceives as a deteriorating public discourse. He specifically lamented the transformation of political disagreements into personal antagonisms and urged all participants to revert to a debate grounded in mutual respect. « We can be political adversaries without becoming enemies. We can hold differing views without harboring hatred, » he asserted, imploring his fellow citizens to prioritize « the essentials ».
These « essentials », in his view, should encompass several key national imperatives: fostering civil peace and national cohesion, upholding institutions and the rule of law, advancing social justice, narrowing inequalities, stimulating job creation, enhancing public services, and promoting the local transformation of natural resources.
For the former 2023 presidential candidate, the proposed pact should also play a pivotal role in rebuilding trust among citizens and institutions, between political actors, and between Gabon and its diaspora. Specifically, it aims to revitalize national dialogue, delineate priorities that transcend political transitions, and ensure accountability for commitments made.
Inclusivity
Joachim Mbatchi Pambou’s initiative is not intended to be confined solely to political figures. He proposes a comprehensive dialogue platform that would bring together institutions, political entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, trade unions, religious denominations, academics, youth, women, and the diaspora. The overarching goal is to pinpoint a limited number of national priorities, establish concrete commitments, and enable citizens to regularly assess progress.
This collective responsibility, he emphasized, should extend to all segments of society. The governing authority, according to his vision, should « listen more intently and be more accountable », while the opposition should persist in its critical function but also actively offer constructive solutions. Civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora are also expected to contribute significantly to this national dynamic.
Through this thoughtful proposal, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou advocates for a departure from a mindset where every political divergence escalates into confrontation. He firmly believes that the nation’s advancement cannot solely rely on its natural wealth or inherent potential, but must also be underpinned by its capacity to maintain national cohesion. « No amount of wealth will ever replace national cohesion. Our foremost asset is our ability to coexist, » he concluded.
