Gabon President Bans Govt Officials From Taking Holidays Abroad

Joy ChukwuAugust 24, 20241 Mins read365

Brice Oligui Nguema, the interim President of Gabon, has banned government officials from spending their holidays abroad. Nguema said the decision is intended to encourage officials to stay close to their communities and understand the needs of local people.

He made this announcement on state television after he toured the country to listen to people’s concerns. He also authorised a maximum of one-week holiday leave for officials.

He said:

“It is brought to the attention of members of the government in accordance with the instruction given by the President of the Republic during the last Council of Ministers that they are authorised to benefit from a week of vacation.

However, all members of the government are reminded that the days of vacation granted to them must exclusively be taken within the national territory and in particular in their respective localities in order to immerse themselves in the realities and expectations of our compatriots.”

According to Nguema, exceptions will only be made in cases of duly justified force majeure or for proven health reasons and only with the express authorisation of the Head of State.

It should be emphasised that this provision aims to encourage a return to the sources and proximity with local populations. Strict compliance with this directive is expected of everyone. Any exemption must be the subject of a formal request and will be examined with the utmost rigor,” he stated.

This move by the president will also help reduce public expenditure.

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