Gabon: 9 Ministers Concentrate Powers While Awaiting the Reshuffle
The Interim Government and the Concentration of Power.
F riday, November 14, 2025, marks a major turning point in the Gabonese political dynamic. In an official statement, Murielle Minkoue Mezui épouse Minsta Mi-Owono, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, announced the collective resignation of eighteen members of the government. While awaiting the establishment of the new cabinet, nine ministers were designated to serve in an interim capacity and provisionally concentrate governmental powers.
This exceptional concentration of responsibilities among nine ministers reflects a desire to ensure the continuity of the State despite a sensitive transition period. On one hand, this configuration allows for rapid decision-making, thereby limiting the risk of administrative paralysis. These interim ministers possess expanded power, guaranteeing political and economic stability while awaiting the reshuffle.
However, such centralization raises several questions. The overload of ministerial portfolios risks weakening operational efficiency, as each minister must juggle multiple responsibilities. This situation could lead to delays in the handling of crucial files and call into question the quality of governmental interventions. Furthermore, the concentration of powers among a limited number of actors may draw criticism regarding the representativeness and the balance of political forces within the executive.
In summary, this interim phase reflects a dual reality: on one hand, governmental stability is ensured while awaiting a new government; on the other hand, there are operational and democratic challenges related to an excessively high concentration of responsibilities. The upcoming reshuffle must imperatively address these issues to re-establish balanced and effective governance.
