Post-Election Declaration by Honorable Pepecy Oguouliguende: A Vision for Gabon’s Future

April 21, 2025

Historic Election Victory and National Unity

I begin by extending my most prestigious congratulations for your overwhelming victory, achieving a historic score of 94.85% in the presidential election of April 12, 2025. This exceptional performance demonstrates the Gabonese people’s massive support for your vision for our country.

We note with satisfaction the effective inclusion of Civil Society in the electoral process, in accordance with the provisions of the new Constitution. This major advancement marks a decisive step towards consolidating participatory democracy in our nation.

The Role of Civil Society and Women’s Participation

Civil society now plays an active role in observation, mediation, and democratic oversight, contributing to a peaceful and constructive political climate. Women have been agents of change, peace mediators, community mobilizers, and guardians of democracy.

I also pay tribute to the First Lady, Madame Zita Oligui Nguema, who played a decisive role by your side in achieving this brilliant result.

Key Priorities for Gabon’s Future

We must now transform this victory into driving force for implementing the societal project, focusing on these priorities:

• Active citizenship and mindset change
• Transparency, good governance and anti-corruption
• Promotion of women and youth
• Decent work, self-employment and inclusive economic growth
• Equitable sharing of national resources
• Human-wildlife conflict resolution and ecological transition
• Specific community development for underserved neighborhoods

Proposed Actions for Inclusive Governance

We propose:

1. Inclusion of civil society in all election management bodies
2. Gender inclusion in all future public policies
3. Creation of a National Women’s Council
4. Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325
5. Respect for women’s quotas in elections
6. Effective implementation of women’s rights frameworks

Recommendations for Women and Youth Empowerment

For Women:

• Strengthen political representation
• Promote economic empowerment
• Protect fundamental rights
• Encourage education and training

For Youth:

• Launch employment and professional integration programs
• Modernize the education system
• Encourage civic engagement
• Develop youth infrastructure

“Mr. President, women and youth represent Gabon’s driving force. By placing them at the heart of your action, you will build a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable country.“

The Challenge of Changing Mentalities

Changing mentalities requires deep understanding of the issues and a subtle, determined strategy. It involves changes in spirit, value systems, collective dynamics, and ultimately a relative change in collective identity and consciousness.

The methodology includes:

• Identifying cultural coherence
• Designing appropriate strategies
• Managing change through progressive communication