Gabon Transfers 182 Competences to Local Governments in Decentralization Drive. LIBREVILLE, Gabon — The Gabonese government has announced a significant step towards decentralization by transferring 182 competences to local governments, according to the Agence Gabonaise de Presse. This move, revealed by Interior Minister Hermann Immongault during a government seminar, is part of the operationalization of decentralization in the country, as outlined by the Organic Law No.
001/2014 on Decentralization. Under this law, competences have been identified across 20 ministries, although specific details of the competences were not provided during the seminar.
The competences are to be transferred to various domains, including health, education, interior, public works, housing, and urbanism.
The aim is to foster equitable development across the 135 local collectivities, which are spread among 52 communes, 35 arrondissements, and 48 departments. To support this reform, a Fund for Local Community Equilibrium will be established. This fund will be financed by a special annual allocation of 10% of the state budget’s own resources, as well as contributions from mining, forestry, oil, and gas development funds.
The proposed decree for transferring competences and resources from the state to local governments stipulates that 97% of this allocation will be used for the development of local communities, with 1. 5% for the fund’s operation and 1. 5% for decentralization bodies.
The government’s commitment to decentralization is part of a broader strategy to empower local governments and promote regional development.
The transfer of competences is expected to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of local governance, fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to public administration. Further details are expected as the government moves forward with the implementation of this significant reform.
The Agence Gabonaise de Presse will continue to provide updates on this development.
