Gabon Defense Ministry Oversees New Leadership of Military Wives' Association

On 1 August 2026, Gabon's Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa, serving as honorary president, chaired the official installation of the new bureau of the Federation of Associations of Military Personnel's Wives (FAPFDS) at the military health service school in Libreville. The outgoing president, Christine Audrey Mandji Lawson, highlighted achievements such as the production of multi‑purpose liquid soap, the federation’s presence in all nine provinces, the construction of a couture house for military spouses, and the training of more than 700 women in entrepreneurship, IT, cybersecurity, agriculture and processing.

The newly elected president, Oyoughou Lehounda Ingrid Valérie, thanked First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema for her support and called for unity, stating, “Alone we go faster; together we go farther.” Minister Onkanowa praised the outgoing team and congratulated the new leadership, also commending the presidential couple for their commitment to national solidarity and the empowerment of Gabonese women.