#Gabon: The Big Interview with Ali Bongo

 

Libreville September 9, 2014 - The following is the full interview of Gabonese President Ali Bongo Bongo Search granted to young media africa

JA: The political atmosphere is electric in Libreville. Presidential not be held
in two years, and already tempers flare. Would you expect?

Ali Bongo Ondimba: The stir that we are seeing does not surprise me: it is often the opposition launches hostilities first. This is normal, we are concerned about the spots facing us, then she has nothing else to do but think about the next election.

JA: André Mba Obame away from the political arena by the disease, your opponent is now more virulent Jean Ping, the former chairman of the Commission of the African Union (AU). You know for a long time. How did you feel about his descent into the opposition?

ABO: I know, indeed, for many, many years. But I was not surprised. When we sent envoys to several heads of state to seek their support for the re-election of Mr. Ping at the head of the AU Commission, some of them were surprised and replied, "Ali Ping wants to be supportive, but he knows that Ping says and thinks of him? "He was holding a double standard in front of me and in front of others. From that moment, we knew that sooner or later they would be in the opposite camp ...

JA: He does not mince words and multiplied attacks against you. He treats you autocrat, and your employees "foreign legion". He accuses your chief of staff Maixent Accrombessi to be the real president of the country and describes a Gabon that goes right into the wall ... What do you tell him?

ABO: I do not have time to waste with this type of weather vane. However, I note that this is the same Ping encouraging me and congratulated me, forcefully obsequiousness, whenever he came to visit me in Libreville.

JA: After Mba Obame, it is still the second close associate of your father, with whom you worked, that becomes your main opponent. It's getting a lot ...

ABO: You forget Oye Mba Ndong Eyeghé, Myboto, Adiahenot ... The list goes on!

JA: Jean Ping and Mba Obame are still far more virulent.

ABO: This is for them to be heard, that's all. Because, apart from the insults they have nothing to offer. Consider: do you know the program Ping?

JA: No ...

ABO: It's normal he did not. Omar Bongo often said: "The dog barks, the caravan passes." We have many other things to do than waste his time worrying about what kind of character.

JA: The proximity of Jean Ping your sister Pascaline (they had two children together, Ed) with whom you entretiendriez reports rather tense, it makes the situation more complex?

ABO: Contrary to what you think, my sister and I have good family relations. As for his relationship to it, ask the question directly.

JA: From the perspective of 2016, the opposition is trying to unite. Do you fear a single candidate?

ABO: Opposition does what she wants. This strategy is not new to us. It would even be quite logical. What concerns me is my camp, period.

JA: You have launched this year a social pact designed primarily to fight against poverty, signed by political parties within a new presidential majority. This looks still to big moves for 2016 ...

ABO: No, this gathering was to meet a requirement: our countrymen out of the fight against insecurity and inequality. We developed a human development strategy based on large investments and addresses the problems identified in a thorough and exhaustive study, the first in the history of the country, conducted by McKinsey. I invited various political forces, civil society, parliamentarians and diplomats to show interest and participate. Some felt, whatever their projects or persuasions, they should accompany us, some not.

JA: This social pact, in short a program against poverty, probably happens a little later. Why have launched only now?

ABO: There is no need to be a genius, actually, to notice the problem. What interested me most was to get a much finer than this simple statement analysis. Many questions arise here, as elsewhere in Africa, to identify the causes, failures of the state, the tracks lasting solutions ... It starts with knowing where, geographically, are the pockets of the most important poverty. Rather than relying on a vague idea, we wanted to get the most accurate picture of the suffering in Gabon. This is the case today. And solutions will be even better. In passing, I note that this study was published.

JA: In this fight against insecurity, what goals have you set yourself and what tools do you have?

ABO: Our philosophy is conditionality. The state is ready to help you if you make a number of efforts, if you are more responsible. We are not there to distribute money sterile but to help Gabonese live better, thanks to their work. "Learning to fish, as the Chinese say, rather than giving fish. "The distinction is significant. In terms of resources, we have decided to devote the next three years, about 250 billion FCFA (over 380 million). Then will take stock before seeing if we accelerate the effort, better leave, etc.

JA: What is your assessment of the five years that have elapsed since your election you draw?

ABO: We found the country in a difficult political and economic situation, with the demise of the late president, a pillar of the nation for more than four decades, and a negative growth rate. We had to take the bull by the horns in a hurry and without proper preparation. Since then the country has remained stable, and our growth rate is between 5% and 7%. It is therefore encouraging sign that our reforms are working.

First major effort: infrastructure, which we spend most of our investments. In previous years, everyone told us that it was not possible to spend more than 200 billion CFA francs as the operating budget was important, however, in the first year, we went to 600 billion FCFA .

Another priority is to diversify our economy. Today, our rate of non-oil growth is in double digits, showing that our policy, that of the local processing of raw materials, was strong. When we decided to allow within the timber industry, the export of logs, this has earned us many jokes. Why is it that nearly fifty-four years after our independence, with 88% of the territory covered by forest, we do not use wood in construction? Or we buy furniture made outside the country, produced from Gabon's timber? Gabon, as often elsewhere in Africa, we walk on the head! Our goal for 2020 is that no more product is exported without having undergone primary processing locally.

JA: And what went wrong?

ABO: Failure in any case what we have not yet succeeded, is housing. I promised during the presidential campaign of 2009, providing 5,000 homes per year. I have not kept that promise. Actually, I underestimated the difficulties and pitfalls. I thought it was enough to bring the resources and have the will. Error! The area was not organized. There was no policy or urban sanitation in the capital, yet built on a swamp. And no legislative framework attractive to investors who could complete the offer of the State. Buying a home was previously reserved for wealthy people. Because getting a long-term credit and to sustainable levels by more impossible mission! In short, before embarking on construction sites, it was necessary to reform. It took much longer than I thought. Same as in the fields of electricity and water. But this is beginning to improve.

JA: You have started an audit of public finances, which caused a stir. To say that Gabon are deemed to be "volatile" ...

ABO: When you get to the head of a government, a business or a state, you first walk around the owner. We did, and found some things not very encouraging. Especially as regards domestic debt. That's why we stopped paying the companies to which we had the money, the time to see things more clearly. Contrary to what many have said, the state coffers were not empty. I wanted to understand better discern what was due us what was fraudulent or capricious. For a number of years in our country, everybody wants that public finances are restored. But no one had yet done. Well, we will. And you will see that those who demanded this consolidation are the same as you will soon hear protest.

JA: Because they would be involved?

ABO: But of course! Especially those with business before, who wrap themselves in the clothes today opponents and make us the lesson. Clean, end abuse delusional there had here, yes, but in others ... Otherwise, they call it a "witch hunt."

JA: This is not the first audit in the history of Gabon, but prosecutions are extremely rare ...

ABO: The time of impunity is over. Investigations are ongoing, and they will lead. Those who can pay the state will. Those who do not run will suffer penalties. This dynamic will not stop anytime soon. We are even trying to make contacts abroad to support us in this. Because tax evasion is not just Westerners.

JA: So that your opponents do not call it a "witch hunt", it is still necessary that everyone, including your camp, to be heard and may be condemned. Many doubt this impartially.

ABO: I reassure them, nobody will be spared. Proof: The first arrests have touched people treated my camp. You hear the cries of outrage, some suddenly become opponents, and I will not hurt enemies. But I think this approach will receive the approval of the Gabonese.

JA: You mentioned in January a new prime minister, Daniel Ona Ondo. This is the third in five years. This time it is the right one?

ABO: Choosing a prime minister is a particular situation at a particular time in a particular context. Therefore useful to compare the different incumbents. Daniel Ona Ondo is certainly a man of experience, who can help us achieve the new goals we have set ourselves.

JA: Are you satisfied with your government team?

ABO: No, because the Gabonese expect much. I am a very demanding and I would say "could do better". And, above all "must do better".

JA: Recent months have been marked by numerous strikes in key sectors such as schools, hospitals, customs, taxes or oil. What signs do you see?

ABO: What reform is not easy. A number of strikes began after the decision to reorganize what seemed to be an obstacle to our development, namely mutual funds (old system of generalized bonuses granted to employees, to be replaced by the incentive should the performance, Ed). These moves were intended to prevent us from working, getting results, and especially to reform. Those who engage in strikes should already be asked whether in the field, they are up to. Are those who show no minimum service in the health sector, in full Ebola outbreak, are aware of their responsibilities? They want more? I said that I have nothing against the distribution of bonuses or other benefits. But I ask that the work is appreciated. If we, if we work better, you can claim more. But still want to benefit without compensation, even without its most basic job is not.

JA: The Chinese and the French Total Addax have been subject to tax adjustments spectacular (respectively 400 million and 805 million dollars). How did we get here?

ABO: It follows the same idea in all sectors of activity, we wanted to understand how things were going. The oil sector has been assessed. We found that a number of companies were in a position opaque. Where in the world tax authorities will not confirm that companies are current, and pay their taxes?

JA: It is not of any companies. Total, flagship of the former colonial power, is hardly used to this kind of focus ... Do not you think this might affect your relationship with France.

ABO: The policy has nothing to do with the administration. If the tax authorities find that na company pays his taxes incorrectly, it emits a reassessment, and both parties then start negotiations to find common ground. There is nothing unusual. Gabon can not it behave like other nations?

JA: Having the right does not mean that it does not cause reactions ...

ABO: The reactions are legitimate, but we must find common ground instead of entering into political sensitivities that will be futile. In the case of Total, this in no way upset diplomatic relations we have with France.

JA: There was a time when things would not go well ...

ABO: President Hollande and I decided to let the authorities do their job. We do not intervene.

JA: You did not know Francois Hollande when he was elected, so you were pretty close to Nicolas Sarkozy. How is your relationship?

ABO: It took us a whole year to get to know and appreciate each other, especially when working on sensitive issues such as the Central African Republic. Today, we have a great relationship. France is our largest economic partner and the ties that bind us are standing close: the President of the Gabonese Republic is still on good terms with the President of the French Republic. Whatsoever.

JA: Gabon is obviously not immune to Ebola, which he was one of the homes in the 2000s How did you deal with this threat outbreak?

ABO: As everyone now, with increased vigilance. We have structures and competent and efficient laboratories, such as the International Center for Medical Research in Franceville, whose reputation is well established. A major outreach effort is conducted among the population, seamlessly. Faced with Ebola, there is not one answer: we must identify those who come from the outside and that could have been achieved, explain the risks and provide recommendations for use throughout the country, have all adequate medical equipment in case of detection of a case, identify any affected areas, etc. We are ready.

JA: You make the presidency of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) until the next summit, whose date has not been determined. The main concern in the region remains the Central crisis that never ends ...

ABO: The CEMAC summit will take place before the end of the year. Certainly the Central African crisis has held all of our meetings and required significant financial resources to help the country and its citizens. Central Africans must understand that in any case there can be no military solution. A camp may outweigh the other, occasionally, but that would only feed a vicious cycle. Violence only begets violence. Reconciliation is inevitable, and the solution remains policy. It's not impossible if Rwandans were able to reconcile, they can too. We can help them, but we can not make decisions for them.

JA: Catherine Samba-Panza seems she be the wife of the situation?

ABO: She has no magic wand. The problems it faces are not attributable and anyone else in his place would encounter the same difficulties.

JA: On a more institutional level, CEMAC is not remarkable for its efforts towards effective regional integration. Especially when compared to the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and especially the East African Community (EAC). Do you really believe its community project?

ABO: It is of course impossible to envisage a real sustainable development of our country without integration. But do not put the cart before the horse. We talk about freedom of movement, for example, but there are not ready. Moreover, to really circulate in Central Africa, this already decent roads that take you to name one city to another in the area ... It would also require that the boundaries outside the CEMAC region are controlled. Free movement, under present conditions, can be a destabilizing element, including in security matters. Remember that Boko Haram, among others, already rife in Cameroon. Do not forget that in Gabon 25% of the population is of foreign origin, which is a higher rate. Ignoring it would be irresponsible.

JA: You have just mentioned the threat posed Boko Haram in Cameroon, after Nigeria. What do you think to stop?

ABO: The terrorists cross borders, governments must talk and implement common policies. This implies that we invest more in our defense policies. Firstly because it was not enough in the past, are now criantes- our shortcomings, but also because we are facing a new kind of evil. We must therefore catch up and adapt to the opponent, especially in intelligence and training of our troops. So much for the short and medium term. However, this would make little sense without economic development, because these criminals are never as strong as where poverty is rife.

JA: You are the "last breakfast" in a region led by heads of state in place sometimes for decades. How are things going there between you?

ABO: Good, very good even. I may be the last in, and I'm the youngest, but they know me and I know for a long time. I have not been hazed, if that's what you're worried, and, for my part, I respect seniority.

JA: Several African heads of state are concerned with limiting the number of mandates and consider reviewing the constitution: Blaise Compaoré, Denis Sassou Nguesso, Paul Kagame and Joseph Kabila, Thomas Boni Yayi, etc. What do you think?

ABO: Each case is different and I do not see comment on what is happening elsewhere. The people are sovereign is he who decides. The debate should therefore, in my opinion, to focus on the transparency and fairness of elections. Although cepoint of view, the continent still has a long way.

JA: Let's talk about international justice. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has finally decided: former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo is well judged in The Hague. Do you feel good?

ABO: This question relates to the Ivorians, and alone. If they feel that Laurent Gbagbo has misbehaved and needs to be judged, I find nothing wrong with that.

JA: The problem is precisely that he will not be tried in Ivory Coast ...

ABO: It's Ivorian need to ask. I do not mind, at least I'm not making an issue of principle, that an African leader to be tried by the ICC. However, I can only wonder about the list of the accused to appear before that court. Only Africans committing packages on this earth? Let's be serious ...

JA: Another symbolic trial, Senegal this time that Karim Wade, which opened July 31. You know him well: how do you feel the current situation?

ABO: He is a friend indeed. I am pained to see him in prison. But I never comment upon matters which are in the hands of justice. We'll see at the end of his trial.

JA: Do you think of where you observed five years after his death, what would your father look on Gabon today and your work?

ABO: He was an extremely demanding, which you rarely welcomed. So I guess, even if expected to be broadly satisfied with the progress of the country, he would tell us to do more and better.

JA: And how would he live the tension between you and his former collaborators like Jean Ping, André Mba Obame, Myboto or Jean Eyeghe Ndong?

ABO: It would not surprised, I think. Relatives, ministers and prominent members of the party, that switch suddenly in opposition, he knew that, and more than once .. It is almost a national sport here. But those you mention, I think, for some of them anyway, he had anticipated the.

JA: His estate is still not open. In five years, it's amazing. This is your older sister Pascaline, which is the legal executor of your father. Is it a matter of tension in the family?

ABO: It's a family business, and it takes time. We were told you had to wait, so we wait.

JA: What key lesson did you learn from over the last five years?

ABO: it takes a lot of patience to manage a state, let alone the Gabon. I'm much more tolerant and patient than I thought I could be.

JA: What was the most difficult obstacle?

ABO: Changing bad habits and changing attitudes. You have no idea ...

JA: Six one of your children you say, "In five or ten years, I want to do politics," what would you answer him?

ABO: They are still young, so we still have a little time (laughs). I will not play comedy and you reply, "Oh no, that would be terrible, it's so difficult, I dissuade them." Children living heads of state politics in everyday life: if one of them decides to launch it, is that it will be well thought out choice. Do I want to? Given what I have lived for the past five years-deception, cowardice, deception, the dark side of the human being exacerbated by middle-, I would not recommend them. But it will be up to them to choose their path.