S enators heard Minister of the Interior, Hermann IMMONGAULT, regarding the bill to revise the decentralization law. The text, which profoundly reshapes the organization of local authorities, sparked a lively exchange during the committee session.

The Senate Opens the New Decentralization Project The Senate held a decisive working session this Monday on the draft revision of Organic Law No. 001/2014 on decentralization. Meeting within the Local Authorities and Territorial Planning Committee, the senators received the Minister of the Interior, Hermann IMMONGAULT, who presented the outlines of this reform, described as "structuring" for the country's territorial future.

At the heart of the text is a new classification of local authorities based on demographic, economic, and functional criteria. This reorganization aims to adapt the statutes of municipalities and departments to on-the-ground realities while strengthening their operational capacity.

The bill also introduces a complete overhaul of the powers of local council offices, a reorganization of special delegations, and a precise definition of competencies that are non-transferable to the local level. The stated objective is to reduce administrative gray areas and ensure a clearer distribution of responsibilities.

Another major development is the clarification of the financial resources and burdens of local authorities, a point that has long been a source of tension between the central State and local administrations. In this dynamic, the Equalization Fund will now occupy a strategic position, becoming one of the pillars of territorial balance.

Following the presentation, the senators engaged in a question-and-answer session to address concerns, refine certain provisions, and clarify the practical implications of the text. This hearing marks an important stage before the detailed examination and amendments in committee.

The reform, if adopted, is expected to profoundly reshape Gabon's territorial organization and give new momentum to decentralization.