AGP Executive Report

Aging, policy shift in Gabon: Libreville held the first National Day for Retirees and Older Persons on Oct 1, set to become annual, with Vice-President Hermann Immongault framing it as more than ceremony—recognition must turn into real protection for elders. UN funding for Gabon’s SDGs: The UN announced a historic 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, targeting governance and human rights, a green-blue economy transition, and social inclusion. Iboga governance, still unfinished: Gabon’s decree on benefit sharing for commercial iboga and related traditional knowledge is in place, but distribution mechanisms remain unclear after shipments benefited a community without downstream value reaching them. Culture & dialogue through music: Gabonese singer Annie-Flore Batchiellilys’ “Mu Tsanu” tour will run workshops in 640 schools, using music and professional mediation to build listening, dialogue, and relationship skills. Wildlife spotlight from Gabon: New footage shows Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles using a rare sneak-attack hunting style on bats in underground lairs. Sports media deal: CANAL+ and CAF secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and the tournament on SuperSport, bringing the action to audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Gabon’s Elderly Policy Shift: Libreville hosted Gabon’s first National Day for Retirees and Older Persons on Oct 1, with ceremonies at the Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Palace and a public cultural hub at the Arambo esplanade, spotlighting teachers, nurses, soldiers, farmers and civil servants under the theme “Securing Dignified Retirement in the Fifth Republic Era.” Social Protection Debate: Officials framed the day as more than recognition—pushing the question of how to move from honoring retirees to guaranteeing healthcare, assistance and real dignity as aging becomes a core policy issue. UN Funding for SDGs: The UN in Gabon announced a major 2025 boost of 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) across 21 agencies, targeting governance and human rights, a green-blue transition, and social inclusion. Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree on benefit sharing for iboga and related traditional knowledge is still struggling to deliver promised community value, even as exports were paused to build a new national framework. Culture & Spiritual Heritage: A travel feature highlights Bwiti masquerade traditions, including the Marumba spirit, showing how ritual dance links fear, protection and community life. Wellness in Schools: Gabonese artist Annie-Flore Batchiellilys’ “Mu Tsanu” tour plans music-and-mediation workshops reaching 640 schools, aiming to strengthen listening, dialogue and relationships.

UN Funding for Gabon: The UN says it has mobilized a landmark 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for Gabon in 2025 across 21 agencies, aiming to push progress on good governance and human rights, a green-blue economy shift, and wider social inclusion. School Mediation Through Music: Gabonese singer Annie-Flore Batchiellilys is set to launch “Mu Tsanu,” a national tour starting Nov. 15, with workshops planned in 640 schools to support listening, dialogue, and relationship skills for students, educators, and parents. Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree on benefit sharing for commercial iboga use is in place, but communities say the promised downstream value from recent legal shipments hasn’t arrived yet, as the enforcement framework is still being built. Iboga Export Freeze: Gabon also moved to halt exports of iboga and derivatives while it develops a new national framework—affecting even previously encouraged community trade. AFCON Media Deal: CANAL+ and CAF secured rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals on SuperSport, bringing the tournament to audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa. Women Educators’ Push: Women teachers and union leaders met in Brazzaville to strengthen women’s leadership in education and press for ratification of ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment at work. Gabon’s Cave Dwarf Crocs: New footage reveals Gabon’s tiny cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles hunting bats underground in Abanda Caves—an unusual behavior never seen before.

Ibogaine & community rights: Gabon’s decree on benefit-sharing for iboga and its derivatives is still outpacing reality, with one Ogooué-Ivindo association earning about $50,000 from legal shipments since 2023 but waiting for promised downstream value. Wildlife & conservation: National Geographic footage reveals Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles using a never-before-seen bat-hunting sneak attack in Abanda Caves. Education & wellbeing: Gabonese singer Annie-Flore Batchiellilys’ “Mu Tsanu” tour is set to run from Nov. 15, bringing music-based professional mediation workshops to 640 schools. UN development push: The UN says it mobilized $18.5m (10.5bn FCFA) in 2025 for Gabon across governance, green-blue transition, and social inclusion. Culture on screen: A Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour stop highlights “Gabon Uncharted,” spotlighting Ivindo River expedition stories. Sports media: CANAL+ and CAF secured SuperSport rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Wildlife & Discovery: National Geographic footage reveals Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles using a never-before-seen bat-snatching “sneak attack” in the Abanda Caves. Medicinal Heritage & Trade: Gabon’s decree on benefit-sharing for iboga and traditional knowledge is in place, but communities say promised downstream value still hasn’t reached them, as exports were later paused to build a new framework. Education & Wellbeing: Gabonese singer Annie-Flore Batchiellilys launches “Mu Tsanu,” aiming to reach 640 schools with music-led professional mediation workshops on listening and dialogue. Culture & Science: Moroccan geologist Abderrazak El Albani highlights how his Gabon discovery of the oldest known multicellular fossils is reshaping ideas about the origins of life. UN & Governance: The UN reports a major 2025 funding boost to Gabon—$18.5m (10.5bn FCFA) across 21 agencies—focused on governance, the green-blue economy, and social inclusion. Sports Media: CANAL+ and CAF secure rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals to be broadcast via SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Wildlife & Heritage: A new National Geographic video shows Gabon’s dwarf crocodiles hunting bats in remote Abanda Caves—an underground “sneak attack” never seen before, spotlighting the country’s living natural history. Medicinal Plants & Rights: Gabon is trying to make iboga benefit-sharing fairer after a decree, but distribution mechanisms are still being built; meanwhile, exports were halted as a new national framework is developed. Business & Power: A family feud at French drinks giant Castel heads to a Singapore High Court ruling over who controls the company—an outcome that could reshape leadership and jobs tied to the empire. Mental Health in Schools: New Wellness Centers opened at King City and Greenfield high schools, staffed by licensed therapists for counseling, crisis support, and referrals. Culture & Education: Singer Annie-Flore Batchiellilys’ “Mu Tsanu” tour will run workshops in 640 schools, using music and mediation to build listening and dialogue skills. Governance & Accountability: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 ghost workers from the payroll, freeing over 11 billion FCFA a year for schools and healthcare. International Spotlight: The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances published findings on Gabon, alongside Armenia, Belize, and Lesotho. Sports Media: CANAL+ and CAF secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals on SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Education & Wellbeing: New Wellness Centers opened at King City and Greenfield high schools, with full-time licensed therapists offering individual and group support, crisis help, and referrals throughout the school day. Gabon Arts & Mediation: Annie-Flore Batchiellilys’ “Mu Tsanu” tour launches Nov. 15, using music and professional mediation workshops to reach 640 schools and about 6,400 students, educators, and parents. UN Development Push: The UN in Gabon mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, focusing on governance and human rights, a green-blue economy transition, and social inclusion. Women in Education: A Brazzaville workshop brought together women teachers and union leaders to strengthen leadership and press for ratification of ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment at work. Governance Accountability: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 ghost workers from the public payroll, projecting 11 billion FCFA in annual savings for schools and healthcare. Culture & Learning: UNESCO marked International Literacy Day 2026 with a global conference in Mexico, with Gabon among participating education ministers. Diplomacy: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations, alongside broader talks on cooperation. Sports Media: CANAL+ and CAF secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals on SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mental Health in Schools: Greenfield and King City high schools opened new Wellness Centers after ribbon-cuttings on Sept. 21, with two full-time licensed therapists per site offering individual and group support, crisis help, and short-term counseling. Gabon Education & Mediation: Gabonese artist Annie-Flore Batchiellilys is set to launch “Mu Tsanu” on Nov. 15, aiming to run music-and-mediation workshops across 640 schools and reach about 6,400 students, educators, and parents. UN Funding for Gabon: The UN in Gabon announced a 2025 boost of 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) across 21 agencies, focused on governance and human rights, a green-blue economy shift, and social inclusion. Human Rights Watch: The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances published findings on Gabon alongside Armenia, Belize, and Lesotho, with recommendations tied to search efforts and investigations. Public Sector Clean-up: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from payrolls, projecting savings of 11 billion FCFA annually for schools and healthcare. Diplomacy: Gabon signed a memorandum with Kyrgyzstan to hold political consultations, covering dialogue, trade, and cultural ties. Culture & Sports Media: SuperSport secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and the tournament, bringing the road to the finals to viewers across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Public Accountability in Gabon: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from the payroll after a financial and biometric audit, projecting savings of over 11 billion FCFA a year to fund real services like schools and healthcare. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances published findings on Armenia, Belize, Gabon and Lesotho, outlining concerns and recommendations on how cases are searched for and investigated. Culture & Learning: UNESCO marked International Literacy Day 2026 with a global conference in Mexico, with Gabon among the ministers and delegations attending, spotlighting literacy as a driver for people, the planet and prosperity. Science & Heritage: Moroccan geologist Abderrazak El Albani’s work—sparked by his Gabon discovery of the oldest known multicellular fossils—continues to shape new thinking about the origins of life. Sports Media: SuperSport secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals, bringing the tournament to audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa. Diplomacy: Tajikistan and Gabon agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties through new political consultations and the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Human Rights Watch: The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances released findings on Armenia, Belize, Gabon and Lesotho, flagging gaps in search efforts, slow investigations and the need for better information to relatives. Sports & Media: CANAL+ and CAF secured SuperSport rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals, bringing the 48-nation qualifying campaign to audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa. Science & Culture: Moroccan geologist Abderrazak El Albani, whose Gabon discovery revealed the oldest known multicellular fossils, discusses new insights in a new book on the origins of life. Gabon Governance: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from the payroll after audits, aiming to save over 11 billion FCFA for real public services. Diplomacy: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations, with plans for political, cultural and economic cooperation. Wildlife Research: A National Geographic spotlight will feature an FIU researcher’s Gabon work on dwarf crocodiles in a new natural history series. Regional Finance: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion for CEMAC banks, including Gabon, after strong demand.

Literacy & Culture Diplomacy: UNESCO marked International Literacy Day’s 60th anniversary with a global conference in Mexico’s Chiapas, drawing thousands and ministers including Gabon’s education delegation, plus Indigenous cultural performances and talks on reimagining literacy for people, the planet and prosperity. Gabon Governance: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from the public payroll after audits, projecting savings of over 11 billion FCFA to redirect toward schools, healthcare and hiring. Gabon in Global Science: A National Geographic docuseries spotlights FIU researcher Matthew Shirley, whose Gabon work on dwarf crocodiles will feature in the “Jungle” episode. International Relations: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after ministerial talks in New York. Sports Media: SuperSport secured rights to beam AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals across Sub-Saharan Africa, with matches starting as 48 nations enter group play. Regional Finance: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion as CEMAC banks’ borrowing demand stayed strong. Food & Environment: Research reports elephants around Mount Elgon “mix” medicinal plants for their calves, adding new detail to animal self-care.

Public Sector Integrity: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from state payrolls after financial and biometric audits, freeing over 11 billion FCFA a year to fund real services like healthcare repairs, new schools, and hiring teachers and medical staff. Diplomatic Ties: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations, with foreign ministers meeting in New York to expand cooperation. Regional Finance: BEAC (CEMAC) raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank borrowing demand, with Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and the Central African Republic in focus. Culture & Sports: SuperSport secured rights to beam AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals across Sub-Saharan Africa, spotlighting the continent’s football culture. Wildlife Science: New research reports elephants around Mount Elgon “mix” medicinal plants with breast milk for calves, adding fresh depth to African animal knowledge. Travel Rules: The UK published a list of 45 countries whose citizens need visas even for landside transit, including Gabon.

Public Sector Integrity in Gabon: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from state payrolls after financial and biometric audits, projecting savings of over 11 billion FCFA a year to fund real services like healthcare upgrades and new schools. Diplomacy & International Ties: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after foreign ministers met in New York, with talks also covering broader political, economic and cultural cooperation. Regional Finance Watch: BEAC (CEMAC’s central bank) raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion as banks’ borrowing demand stayed unusually strong across Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and others. Culture & Sports Media: SuperSport secured rights for AfCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and finals, expanding coverage across Sub-Saharan Africa. Human Rights & Work: In Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar backed organised labour’s push for a higher minimum wage, arguing the current wage can’t match the real cost of living after petrol subsidy removal. Environment & Food Security: A report warns foreign fishing fleets are stripping West African waters of key nutrients, deepening micronutrient shortages for coastal communities. Wildlife Knowledge: New research suggests elephants around Mount Elgon “mix” medicinal plants for their calves, pointing to sophisticated self-medication in the wild.

Gabon Crackdown on Ghost Workers: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from the public payroll after financial and biometric audits, projecting savings of over 11 billion FCFA a year to fund real services like healthcare repairs, new schools, and hiring teachers and medical staff. Cultural Heritage Protection: The Gabonese government adopted a draft decree banning the export of iboga and all derivatives in any form, citing protection of a plant tied to Bwiti spiritual practice and safeguarding traditional knowledge, with penalties for violators. Regional Diplomacy: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after meetings in New York, with both sides also discussing broader political, economic, and cultural cooperation. CEMAC Money Markets: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA 850 billion after strong demand from banks across the CEMAC region, with CFA 748.2 billion taken up. Sports & Culture: SuperSport secured rights to broadcast AfCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and the finals across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda co-hosting the tournament. Wildlife Science: New research reports elephants around Mount Elgon in Kenya “mix” medicinal plants for their calves, using at least 35 plant species—an unusual example of animal self-medication.

Gabon Ghost Workers Crackdown: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from the public payroll after financial and biometric checks, projecting savings of over 11 billion FCFA a year to fund real services like healthcare repairs, new schools, and hiring teachers and medical staff. Iboga Export Ban: Libreville adopted a draft decree banning the export of iboga and all derivatives in any form, with penalties under forestry and customs rules—framed as protecting a plant tied to Gabon’s Bwiti spiritual heritage and traditional knowledge. Diplomatic Moves: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after talks in New York, with both sides also discussing broader political, economic, and cultural cooperation. Regional Finance: BEAC lifted weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion for CEMAC banks after strong borrowing demand, with Gabon among the member states. Culture & Learning Spotlight: National Geographic will feature FIU researcher Matthew Shirley in its new series, including work on dwarf crocodiles in Gabon.

AFCON on Gabon’s TV screens: CANAL+ and CAF have secured broadcast rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers and finals on SuperSport, with 48 nations in 12 groups chasing 24-team glory. Public sector clean-up: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from the payroll after financial and biometric checks, projecting savings of over 11 billion FCFA a year to fund schools, healthcare and hiring. Cultural heritage protection: Gabon has moved to ban the export of iboga and all derivatives, citing protection of a plant tied to Bwiti spiritual practice, with penalties set out in a draft decree. Diplomatic ties: Tajikistan and Gabon signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after talks in New York, with cooperation also discussed across political, economic and cultural spheres. Wildlife science with local links: New research reports elephants around Mount Elgon in Kenya carefully mixing medicinal plants for their calves—highlighting sophisticated animal knowledge that conservation groups can learn from. Global spotlight on Gabon research: A National Geographic docuseries will feature an FIU researcher’s Gabon dwarf crocodile work in episode two.