As Gabon marked its 66th Independence Day, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou, President of the Forum pour la Défense de la République (FDR) and a contender in the August 2023 presidential election, issued an official communication calling on all national forces to forge a ‘National Consolidation Pact’. This initiative is envisioned as a framework to rally patriots around Gabon’s fundamental priorities.

The vision put forth by the FDR president is neither a power-sharing arrangement nor an appeal for the opposition to abandon its critical role. Instead, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou seeks to establish a collective commitment among the nation’s diverse stakeholders. He articulated, “It would, in fact, be about achieving something far simpler, yet simultaneously more demanding: agreeing on the essentials.”

This proposal emerges amidst what Joachim Mbatchi Pambou perceives as a decline in public discourse. He specifically lamented the transformation of political disagreements into personal animosities, urging participants to return to respectful debate. “We can be political adversaries without becoming enemies. We can disagree without hating each other,” he asserted, imploring his compatriots to prioritize “the essential.”

According to Mbatchi Pambou, this “essential” foundation should encompass several key national priorities: civil peace and national cohesion, adherence to institutions and the rule of law, social justice, reducing inequalities, job creation, enhancing public services, and the local transformation of natural resources.

For the former 2023 presidential candidate, the proposed pact must also contribute to rebuilding trust between citizens and institutions, among political actors, and between Gabon and its diaspora. Specifically, it aims to revitalize national dialogue, define priorities that transcend political transitions, and ensure accountability for commitments made.

Inclusivity

Joachim Mbatchi Pambou does not intend to limit this endeavor solely to political figures. He proposes a broad dialogue framework that would bring together institutions, political forces, civil society organizations, the private sector, trade unions, religious denominations, academics, youth, women, and the diaspora. The overarching goal is to pinpoint a limited number of national priorities, establish precise commitments, and enable citizens to regularly assess progress.

This responsibility, he believes, should extend to all segments of society. The government, in his view, should “listen more and be more accountable,” while the opposition should continue to offer constructive criticism alongside proposals. Civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora are also seen as having vital roles to play in this national dynamic.

Through this proposition, Joachim Mbatchi Pambou advocates for moving beyond a mindset where every political divergence escalates into confrontation. He contends that the nation’s development cannot solely rely on its natural resources or potential, but equally on its capacity to preserve national cohesion. He concluded, “No wealth will ever replace national cohesion. Our primary wealth is our ability to live together.”