Gabon Cabinet Shuffle Retains Oil, Mines and Finance Ministers
Gabon's presidency announced a government reshuffle on Sunday 11 October, adding eight ministers and removing five. The oil and gas, mines, and finance ministers kept their posts, while geologist Olivier Mouckocko became water and energy minister. The new team has 32 members besides the vice-president of the government, and no reason was given for the changes.
Gabon's government now has 32 members apart from Vice-President Hermann Immongault. The televised announcement by the presidency's secretary general added eight officials and dropped five. Oil and gas, mines, and finance portfolios stayed with their previous holders, while geologist Olivier Mouckocko took over water and energy after Philippe Tonangoye's exit.
Other changes moved Jacqueline Ilogue from labour to national education, shifted Edgard Moukoumbi from public works to interior, and placed Adrien Nguema Mba in labour. Emmanuel Eyeghe Nze received trade, industry and processing, plus government spokesman duties. Defence and transport ministers retained minister-of-state rank. The presidency did not explain the reshuffle.
The reshuffle may matter most to residents affected by water shortages and power cuts, as that ministry changed hands. Investors in oil, mines and finance could see continuity because those ministers stayed. New appointments covering fisheries, trade, social affairs, tourism and environment may influence public services and livelihoods. With no stated reason for the changes, public expectations may remain uncertain, and the proposed flared-gas tax—still lacking a rate and start date—could shape future revenue and sector costs.