Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Désiré-Clitandre Dzonteu
Published on 2024-02-18 18:45:19
New face of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Gabon, Cécile Abadie, on February 15, outlined her agenda for her assignment. It includes strengthening the political aspects of the bilateral relationship with the host country, focusing on major public projects impacting the population, sustainable forest management, and regional integration.
Arriving on September 1, 2023 in Gabon, and presenting her credentials on January 26 to the President of the Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the new ambassador of the European Union (EU) in Gabon, with jurisdiction over Sao Tome and Principe and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), revealed her roadmap on February 15. A seasoned diplomat, Cécile Abadie, has 22 years of experience in the EU’s inner workings. She intends to boost bilateral cooperation between the EU and Gabon, maintain intensified political dialogue, and help with the realization of projects with a significant impact on local populations.
After meeting with the President of the Transition and the Prime Minister of the Transition, Cécile Abadie presented her agenda for Gabon to the media. For the French-born European diplomat, “the political aspects of the relationship with Gabon have been greatly strengthened.” She has been holding meetings with EU country ambassadors since her arrival to ensure they can “speak with one voice.”
The successor to Rosario Bento País aims to have “more impact and be more understandable” to authorities than to the population. Her agenda includes a particular focus on major public projects with an impact on the population, especially in the sectors of education, health, and infrastructure. She stated that “wherever there are good projects,” the EU will support them.
The diplomat also mentioned sustainable forest management. Knowing that Gabon is a global example in conservation, she intends to “try to continue this work towards protection.” She observed that “this wealth should be able to generate resources for the population.”
Civil society is also part of her plan. The EU intends to support initiatives that can have a lasting impact on society, the well-being of the population, and the country’s development.
One of her priorities is regional integration, especially since the N’Djamena-Libreville corridor via Douala-Yaoundé still faces challenges. The movement of goods and people is only effective on paper, and mechanisms need to be found to open up this commercially impactful route. “I would like to be able to promote this regional integration agenda,” she expressed.
Regarding the current events in some French-speaking African countries and decisions or sanctions taken in response to these states, Cécile Abadie indicated that “the situations are not the same everywhere.” However, in light of the events, the French diplomat believes that “it is time to question the relationship with Africa,” but also to “question governance in Africa.”
Read the original article(French) on Gabon Review
