MEKAMBO, Gabon — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative for Central Africa, Marie-Reine Chirezi Fabry, visited indigenous communities in the Ogooué-Ivindo province, specifically the Malondo and Mayeka quarters in the Zadié department, on March 27, 2026. The visit aimed to understand the challenges faced by these communities and to support the Gabonese government in addressing these issues.
During the visit, Fabry expressed the importance of improving living conditions for children to ensure their growth into future leaders. The governor of Ogooué-Ivindo province, Christiane Leckat, highlighted the rights of children and emphasized the need to combat child labor and trafficking. Mathurin Ngyema, the provincial family service chief and project initiator, highlighted the significance of the UNICEF mission, which allowed direct interaction with populations, including children affected by violence.
The mission also included a visit to the Batouala district, where Fabry engaged with local communities. In the gold mining area of Belinga, discussions with mothers and children focused on children’s rights, including education, health, civil status, and citizenship. The communities expressed satisfaction with the advice and guidance provided by UNICEF.
Source: Agence gabonaise de presse
