The Gabonese government has taken decisive action against payroll fraud. More than 1,400 state employees have been formally dismissed for abandoning their posts, following a comprehensive biometric and accounting audit ordered by the transitional authorities to clean up public administration files.
Billions of CFA francs saved annually
For years, many individuals continued to collect their monthly salaries without ever showing up for work. Some were living abroad, others held simultaneous jobs in the private sector, and others had simply stopped coming to the office altogether.
By removing these 1,473 absent agents, the Gabonese state will save over 11 billion CFA francs (approximately 16.7 million euros) each year. According to the government, this money will be directed toward projects that benefit the population, such as hospital renovations, school construction, and the recruitment of genuine teachers and healthcare workers.
Strict controls but ongoing verification
While many citizens welcome the decision, tired of public funds being wasted, some unions are urging caution. They want assurances that no regular worker has been dismissed by mistake due to a technical glitch in the database.
The ministry has stated that questionable cases will be reviewed individually. However, the state warns that those who received salaries without working could face legal action to repay the undue funds.
A necessary clean-up for the future
This large-scale operation demonstrates the current authorities’ commitment to restoring order in the country’s management. But dismissing absentees is not enough: it will also be necessary to ensure that these bad habits do not return and that every public franc is now used for Gabon’s development.
