Amidst public discourse fueled by revelations of state-owned buildings allegedly generating private rental income, Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a respected bailiff operating within the Libreville jurisdictions, has underscored an urgent need. This public official asserts that the time is ripe for a comprehensive national inventory of Gabon’s public patrimony. He meticulously details why bailiffs are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in securing these vital state assets.
For weeks, the issue of state patrimony has dominated headlines, with disclosures surrounding certain public properties. Maître Axel Foumane Dounga reflects on this evolving situation, stating, “These revelations, whether fully substantiated or still requiring verification, undeniably highlight a crucial concern: the precise knowledge of state patrimony. It is impossible to effectively administer, protect, or enhance assets without a reliable, current, and legally robust inventory.”
He further emphasizes that “beyond the emotional response these disclosures have provoked, this situation should be viewed as an opportunity to initiate a structural reform in the management of public properties.”
The call for a national inventory is deemed indispensable. “A modern state must possess an exact understanding of all its assets, both movable and immovable,” Maître Foumane explains. “Such an inventory would facilitate the identification of each asset, verification of its legal status, and control over its allocation, occupation, and any generated revenues.”
He adds, “Fundamentally, this is a tool for good governance. Without an accurate assessment, it becomes challenging to detect irregular occupations, misappropriations, or revenue losses that could stem from poor management of public patrimony.”
When questioned about the proposed involvement of bailiffs in this operation, Maître Foumane Dounga asserts, “Bailiffs are public ministerial officers entrusted with an authentication mission. Our profession is specifically tasked with impartially documenting factual situations and granting them probative force.”
“In the context of a national inventory, engaging bailiffs would offer several crucial guarantees: the neutrality of operations, detailed descriptions of assets, precise localization, identification of potential occupants, and the establishment of official reports possessing genuine legal weight. In essence, this would transcend a mere administrative census, evolving into an enforceable, secure, and legally actionable inventory across all jurisdictions.”
The objectives of such an operation are manifold. “Initially, it would involve precisely identifying all properties belonging to the State, then verifying their legal status and mode of exploitation. This exercise would also enable the detection of any unauthorized occupations or undue appropriations,” he details.
“The overarching goal is to fortify transparency in public patrimony management, enhance governance, and, critically, safeguard the State’s resources for the benefit of all Gabonese citizens,” he concludes.
Regarding the initiative’s potential contribution to the fight against corruption, Maître Foumane Dounga is unequivocal: “Very clearly. Effective control over public patrimony represents a major lever for preventing embezzlement and conflicts of interest. When assets are perfectly identified, localized, and documented, the opportunities for irregular appropriation become significantly curtailed.”
He also highlights its utility as “a formidable decision-making tool for public authorities, enabling them to better valorize state assets, optimize their exploitation, or determine their allocation with full awareness.”
Addressing the authorities, Maître Foumane Dounga conveys a direct message: “I respectfully appeal to the President of the Republic to elevate this inventory operation to a national priority. We are navigating a period where demands for transparency, good governance, and accountability are exceptionally strong. It appears essential that Gabon equips itself with an exhaustive mapping of its public patrimony.”
He concludes, “One can only effectively protect what one knows perfectly. This inventory would constitute a valuable legacy for future generations and a powerful signal in favor of modern, responsible management of the Nation’s assets.”
