Joachim Mbatchi Pambou advocates for a national consolidation pact in Gabon

As Gabon marked its 66th Independence Day, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou, President of the Forum for the Defense of the Republic (FDR) and a former presidential candidate in August 2023, issued an official communication calling for a “National Consolidation Pact.” This initiative is envisioned as a framework to unite all patriotic forces within Gabon around the nation’s most critical priorities.

The concept championed by the FDR president is neither a proposal for power-sharing nor a demand for the opposition to abandon its role. Instead, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou seeks to establish a collective commitment among Gabon’s various vibrant national forces. “It would, in fact, be about doing something much simpler, yet simultaneously much more demanding: agreeing on the fundamentals,” he articulated.

This proposition emerges amidst what Joachim Mbatchi Pambou perceives as a decline in public discourse. He particularly laments the transformation of political disagreements into personal animosities, urging stakeholders to return to a respectful form of debate. “We can be political adversaries without becoming enemies. We can disagree without hating each other,” he asserted, imploring his compatriots to prioritize “the essential.”

According to Mbatchi Pambou, this “essential” foundation should encompass several national priorities: civil peace and national cohesion, respect for institutions and the rule of law, social justice, the reduction of inequalities, job creation, enhancement of public services, and the local transformation of natural resources.

For the former 2023 presidential candidate, the pact must also contribute to rebuilding trust among citizens and institutions, between political actors, and importantly, between Gabon and its diaspora. Specifically, it should facilitate the restoration of national dialogue, define priorities that transcend political transitions, and ensure accountability for commitments made.

Inclusivity

Joachim Mbatchi Pambou’s vision extends beyond political figures. He proposes a broad dialogue platform bringing together institutions, political entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, trade unions, religious denominations, academics, youth, women, and the diaspora. The ultimate goal is to identify a limited set 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, in his view, ought to “listen more and be more accountable,” while the opposition should continue its critical role but also actively propose solutions. Civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora are also expected to play a vital part in this national dynamic.

Through this proposal, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou advocates for moving beyond a mindset where every political divergence escalates into confrontation. He contends that the nation’s development cannot rely solely on its natural resources or potential, but equally on its capacity to maintain national cohesion. “No wealth will ever replace national cohesion. Our primary wealth is our ability to live together,” he concluded.