Gabon urged to conduct national inventory of state assets by bailiffs

As public outrage grows over reports of state-owned buildings generating rental income for private individuals, legal expert Maître Axel Foumane Dounga, a bailiff operating in Libreville courts, has called for an urgent nationwide audit of government assets. Foumane argues that bailiffs, as impartial judicial officers, could play a pivotal role in securing and documenting Gabon’s public property.

State property mismanagement fuels demand for transparency

Recent disclosures regarding irregularities in the management of state buildings have thrust the issue of public asset oversight into the spotlight. Foumane emphasizes that without a comprehensive, legally sound inventory, effective administration of these properties becomes nearly impossible.

He highlights that a reliable record of state assets is the foundation of good governance. Without it, detecting illegal occupations, financial mismanagement, and lost revenue becomes significantly more difficult.

Why an inventory is now essential

Foumane stresses that a modern state must maintain precise knowledge of all its assets—both movable and immovable. Such an inventory would serve multiple purposes:

• Legal clarity: Confirming ownership status, usage rights, and occupancy terms for each property;
• Revenue protection: Ensuring that rental income and other earnings from state assets are properly accounted for and directed to public coffers;
• Fraud prevention: Identifying unauthorized use, illegal occupation, or embezzlement through verified documentation.

He frames the initiative not as a reactive measure, but as a proactive step toward structural reform in public asset management.

The role of bailiffs in securing state assets

Foumane advocates for the involvement of bailiffs due to their official mandate as neutral judicial officers tasked with authenticating facts. Their role would ensure:

• Impartiality: Objective assessment of each property without bias;
• Legal weight: The creation of legally binding reports that can be used in court if disputes arise;
• Detailed documentation: Precise descriptions, locations, and occupancy status for every asset.

He clarifies that this would go beyond a simple administrative census. Instead, it would produce an actionable, court-admissible inventory that strengthens accountability and transparency in governance.

Key objectives of the proposed audit

Foumane outlines several priorities for the inventory operation:

• Identify every asset owned by the state;
• Verify legal status and current usage of each property;
• Detect any unauthorized occupation or misuse;
• Enhance public transparency and trust in government financial management;
• Recover lost revenue and prevent future mismanagement.

He underscores that such measures are not just administrative—they represent a moral and civic obligation to current and future generations of Gabonese citizens.

Linking asset management to anti-corruption efforts

Foumane draws a clear connection between comprehensive asset tracking and the fight against corruption. When state properties are fully documented, opportunities for embezzlement, conflict of interest, and financial misconduct diminish significantly.

He also notes that a verified inventory would empower policymakers to make informed decisions—whether to lease, sell, repurpose, or maintain state assets—based on accurate, up-to-date information.

A call to national action

In a direct appeal to national leadership, Foumane calls for the inventory to be recognized as a top-tier priority. He frames it as a critical step in meeting the demands of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.

He concludes with a powerful statement: “Only what is fully known can be effectively protected.” By implementing this audit, Gabon would not only secure its public wealth but also set a benchmark for modern, ethical administration of national resources.