Gabon urged to conduct national public property inventory by legal experts

The ongoing debate surrounding state-owned buildings in Gabon—particularly regarding cases where rental income appears to be diverted to private individuals—has underscored a critical need for a comprehensive national inventory of public assets. In response, Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a practicing bailiff in Libreville, has called for urgent action. He argues that legal professionals are uniquely positioned to lead this effort, given their role in verifying facts with legal authority and impartiality.

Why a national inventory of Gabon’s public assets is long overdue

Maître Foumane emphasizes that without a complete, up-to-date, and legally secured inventory of state properties, effective management, protection, and valorization become nearly impossible. While some recent disclosures have sparked public outrage, they also present an opportunity to implement structural reforms in public asset governance.

The absence of a reliable inventory creates gaps that can lead to mismanagement, revenue loss, and even illegal occupations. “A modern state must have full knowledge of its assets,” he states. “This includes identifying each property, verifying its legal status, assessing its usage, and confirming the revenue it generates.”

How bailiffs can strengthen the inventory process

According to Maître Foumane, bailiffs are sworn public officers whose core function is to authenticate facts with legal validity. Their involvement would bring several key advantages to the inventory process:

• Neutrality and impartiality: As independent officers, bailiffs can conduct assessments without bias.
• Detailed documentation: They can provide precise descriptions, accurate locations, and verified occupancy status of each asset.
• Legal enforceability: The records they produce—such as official reports—would hold significant legal weight in any judicial proceedings.

“This wouldn’t be a mere administrative exercise,” he explains. “It would result in a legally binding inventory—one that can be used in courts to resolve disputes, prevent misuse, and ensure accountability.”

Primary goals of the proposed inventory

The initiative aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Full identification: Locate and document every property owned by the state.
• Legal verification: Confirm the ownership status and usage rights of each asset.
• Detection of irregularities: Identify unauthorized occupations or misappropriations.
• Revenue protection: Prevent losses from uncollected rents or improper management.
• Enhanced governance: Promote transparency and accountability in public asset management.

Strengthening anti-corruption efforts through asset transparency

Maître Foumane strongly believes that a structured inventory could significantly curb corruption. “When a state’s assets are clearly identified, legally documented, and publicly traceable, the opportunities for embezzlement, conflict of interest, and illicit appropriation diminish dramatically,” he notes.

Furthermore, such an inventory would empower government authorities to make informed decisions—whether optimizing asset utilization, preventing mismanagement, or resolving legal disputes over property rights.

A call to action for national leadership

In a final appeal to national leadership, Maître Foumane urges the President of Gabon to prioritize this inventory as a matter of urgency. “We are at a pivotal moment where demands for transparency, responsible governance, and accountability are more pressing than ever,” he says. “Gabon must establish a comprehensive public property registry—one that future generations can rely on.”

“You can only protect what you truly know,” he concludes. “This inventory would not only secure state assets but also serve as a legacy of integrity and modern governance for the nation.”