As Gabon commemorated its 66th Independence Day, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou, the President of the Forum for the Defense of the Republic (FDR) and a contender in the August 2023 presidential election, issued an official statement. He called upon all national stakeholders to establish a “National Consolidation Pact,” presenting it as a vital framework designed to unite patriots around Gabon’s fundamental 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 critical function. Instead, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou aims to cultivate a collective commitment among the nation’s diverse active forces. “In essence, it would involve something far simpler, yet simultaneously more demanding: reaching a consensus on what truly matters,” he articulated.
This proposition emerges amid what Joachim Mbatchi Pambou perceives as a deteriorating public discourse. He specifically lamented the trend of political disagreements escalating into personal animosity, urging participants to re-embrace respectful debate. “We can be political adversaries without becoming enemies. We can disagree without harbouring hatred,” he asserted, imploring his fellow citizens to prioritize “the essential.”
This “essential,” in his view, should encompass several national imperatives: fostering civil peace and national cohesion, upholding institutions and the rule of law, advancing social justice, narrowing inequalities, creating employment opportunities, enhancing public services, and facilitating the local processing of natural resources.
For the former 2023 presidential candidate, the proposed pact must also contribute to rebuilding trust between citizens and institutions, among political actors, and between Gabon and its diaspora. Specifically, it should aim to revitalize national dialogue, define priorities that transcend political transitions, and ensure accountability for commitments made.
Inclusivity
Joachim Mbatchi Pambou does not intend to restrict this initiative solely to political figures. He advocates for 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 ultimate goal would be to pinpoint a limited number of national priorities, establish precise commitments, and enable citizens to regularly assess progress.
This shared responsibility, he believes, should involve all segments of society. The government, according to his proposal, ought to “listen more and be more accountable,” while the opposition should continue to offer constructive criticism and alternative solutions. Civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora are also expected to play significant roles in this national endeavor.
Through this proposal, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou calls for a departure from a mindset where every political difference transforms into a confrontation. He maintains that the nation’s progress cannot rely solely on its natural resources or inherent potential, but equally on its capacity to preserve national cohesion. “No amount of wealth will ever replace national cohesion. Our primary asset is our ability to coexist,” he concluded.
