Mr Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Mr. Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts,
Ladies and Gentlemen Representatives of International Organizations,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The day after the “Freedom Coup” of August 30, 2023, I had the opportunity to receive the Diplomatic Corps in these places to present the foundations of the salutary action accomplished by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) and its major objectives, notably the restoration of Republican Institutions.
Indeed, these Institutions must now be the pillars on which a strong Democracy and a healthier Governance will be built with respect for Human Rights, with a view to a better life for Gabonese people..
Today’s Ceremony is therefore an additional opportunity to reaffirm to the international community the commitments made by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions while presenting the progress of the ongoing rebuilding process.
This meeting also offers me the opportunity to renew the interest I place in strengthening the bonds of fraternity, friendship and cooperation which so happily unite Gabon and each of the States and Organizations that you represent.
Mr. Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
I am particularly sensitive to the kind words that you have just made towards my country, its people, to Madam the First Lady of Gabon and to me.
Please find in return the expression of our sincere thanks as well as our best wishes for health, happiness, peace and prosperity for you, your families and all those who are dear to you.
My wishes are also addressed to the Heads of State and the People of your respective countries, as well as to the heads of the international organizations of which you are the Representatives.
Mr. Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
You are observers and informed witnesses of our difficulties but also of the efforts that the Gabonese people and their new leaders are deploying to face the multifaceted challenges, aimed at preserving national unity, social cohesion and peace, as well as to ensure prosperity. and the development of Gabon.
In this regard, please be thanked for having recognized the legitimacy of the founding act of August 30, 2023.
Since then, I have spared no effort to ensure that Gabon regains its rightful place in the concert of Nations, even if these efforts hardly seem to convince some people when, as you can see on a daily basis, Gabon is at peace and its people enjoy all these freedoms.
I therefore remain optimistic about the normalization of our situation in certain organizations.
Mr. Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
As you have recalled, the Transition Chronogram that I presented to the Secretary General of the United Nations on December 18 is in full implementation.
In this month of January 2024, I will receive the Summary Report of nearly twenty thousand (20,000) contributions made by Gabonese men and women wishing to be fully involved in the restoration of their country’s institutions. These contributions will serve as a basis for discussions at the Inclusive National Dialogue scheduled for next April.
To this end, I welcome the availability of the Diplomatic Corps to support Gabon in this Transition process, for our Rise towards Bliss.
Mr. Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
Gabon has just completed its mandate as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council. For two years, my country has largely contributed to the strengthening of multilateralism for a more peaceful and equitable world, as well as to the building of an international society that is more respectful of the environment and more united.
This was reflected in the recent adoption by the Security Council of the important Resolution on “Funding of Peace Support Operations carried out by the African Union”, presented by Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique. This adoption was possible thanks to the support of each of your respective countries and Organizations.
I thank you and I can assure you that my country will continue, throughout this period of Transition and beyond, its commitment to major international issues, in the light of the interests of the Gabonese people, as I have indicated during my participation in COP28 in Dubai.
Mr. Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
To close my remarks, I would like to express once again, to each of you as well as to the Heads of State and Heads of the International Organizations that you represent, the hope that this year will be favorable to the deepening of relations of fraternity, of friendship and cooperation which bind your respective countries and Institutions to Gabon in the sense of the aspirations and well-understood interests of its People.
Happy New Year 2024 to everyone! Thank you.
