Gabon/Nyanga/Pêche: Governor Addresses Tensions Between Fishermen and Regulatory Services in Tchibanga. TCHIBANGA, Gabon — 11 March 2026 (AGP) – The Governor of Nyanga province, Jean Robert Mabobet, convened a meeting in Tchibanga on Wednesday to address complaints from fishing communities about excessive and abusive controls by regulatory services, according to the Gabonese Press Agency. Governor Mabobet, acting on instructions from the Minister of the Interior, called the meeting in response to the president’s directive following complaints from fishing communities.
A representative of the fishing communities expressed their dissatisfaction with the frequency of inspections, stating, “The frequency of inspections has become oppressive.
The products of fishing do not benefit the indigenous people, as all quantities are taken to Libreville.”
The meeting, held in the provincial capital, followed concerns raised by communities in Mayumba, Mougagara, and Mayonami, who denounced the proliferation of inspections and the seizure of their fishery products.
The gathering included prefects from the departments of Basse — Banio and Ndougou, as well as local representatives from the gendarmerie, national parks, and Water and Forest services.
The aim was to clarify the procedures applied by regulatory agents and to define the responsibilities of various entities involved in the regulation of fishing activities, whether marine, fluvial, or lagoonary. At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to continue consultations to foster a peaceful climate and ensure the continuation of fishing activities in the province.
Regional officials confirmed that the situation is being taken seriously and that efforts are underway to resolve the disputes.
Officials commented on the matter. Governor Mabobet emphasized the importance of finding a balance between enforcing regulations and respecting the livelihoods of the local fishing communities.
The meeting comes at a time when tensions between fishing communities and regulatory services have been on the rise, prompting concern from local and national authorities.
The outcome of these discussions will likely be closely watched by both the fishing communities and the regulatory bodies involved.
