President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema outlines housing plan, ICJ islands pledge and institutional reforms in Gabon

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, in his State of the Nation address on 15 June 2026, unveiled a housing financing scheme for Gabonese civil servants. The plan converts housing allowances into a contribution toward home ownership, mobilising roughly 120 billion CFA francs annually. Private developers will build new districts such as Bikélé and Essassa; the state will collect the allowance only after the properties are delivered, allowing civil servants to own their homes after 10‑15 years.

He also reaffirmed Gabon's commitment to implement the International Court of Justice ruling of May 2025 that granted sovereignty over the disputed Mbanié, Conga and Cocoteros islands to Equatorial Guinea. The African Union has appointed Burundian diplomat Albert Shingiro as a special envoy to facilitate dialogue and ensure a peaceful application of the judgment.

Finally, Nguema defended the suite of institutional reforms launched since the 2023 transition, citing the inclusive national dialogue, a new constitution, changes to the electoral code and plans to strengthen democratic participation, including a more credible voter register and possible compulsory voting. He highlighted projects such as the Emerald City, rehabilitation of the Cité de la démocratie, and initiatives to boost youth employment and improve water and electricity access.