After the coup in Gabon, we are in between joy and hope, say country’s Bishops.

Vatican News.

In a sign of changing regional political realities, the Economic Community of Central African States, on Saturday 10 March, lifted sanctions on Gabon. The Economic group of countries also reintegrated Gabon into the regional bloc, six months after suspending its membership in response to the 30 August 2023 coup that ousted President Ali Bongo.

With transition govt, a heavy cloud has lifted

Earlier in the week, speaking to Agenzia Fides, Bishop Jean-Vincent Ondo Eyene of the Diocese of Oyem Diocese and President of the Episcopal Conference of Gabon, spoke about the nations’ relief after the coup.

“A heavy cloud that hung over the country seems to have dissipated," he said.

Gabon is going through a transition phase after the 30 August 2023 bloodless coup that overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had governed the nation for 14 years.

On 4 September 2023, Gabon’s coup leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, took the oath of office as President of the transition government promising to organise, "free, transparent, credible and peaceful elections." The junta has said it will hold elections in 2025.

Church’s experience of the transition phase

“We experienced difficult moments, even in the Church, with the previous regime, especially in its terminal phase … Now we thank the Lord that after the events of 30 August, the people seem generally contented. The dark leadership cloud that weighed upon the people seems to have dissipated and people can breathe again. But we always remain cautious,” said the President of the Episcopal Conference of Gabon.

Speaking about the importance of equally sharing resources from the proceeds of oil, Bishop Eyene believes that Gabon must put its house in order.

The “management of our oil resources which are a gift from God must benefit the majority of the population,” he said. He added, “There is an ongoing debate about how to better share the country’s rich oil wealth. The new Head of State is trying to do this by launching new projects for the construction of infrastructure, housing, schools and hospitals,” the Gabonese prelate narrated.