The arrests of former Gabonese ministers continue after the coup d’état which overthrew the power of Ali Bongo. This week, it was the former Minister of Water and Forests, Lee White, who was questioned by the Directorate General of Research. This arrest follows accusations of complicity in selling off forests against him.
According to the National Union of Water and Forestry Professionals (Synapef), Lee White would have awarded two logging permits, exceeding the maximum area authorized by the Gabonese Forestry Code. These permits would cover 57,000 hectares and 97,000 hectares respectively, while the ceiling set is 50,000 hectares. In addition to these accusations, the ex-minister is also suspected of embezzlement.
The arrest of Lee White is part of a series of arrests which have taken place since the takeover of power by the army on August 30. Vincent de Paul Massassa, former Minister of Oil, and Léon Armel Bounda Balonzi, former Minister of Public Works, were also presented to the prosecution last Friday.
These arrests follow the efforts of the new Gabonese regime to fight against corruption and mismanagement which would have characterized the previous government. These actions demonstrate the desire to shed light on questionable practices and to establish a new era of transparency and probity.
Lee White’s arrest also raises questions about natural resource management practices in Gabon, particularly in the forestry sector, which is a source of wealth and jobs for the country. It is hoped that these investigations will lead to more rigorous reforms in this area, in order to ensure sustainable exploitation of Gabon’s natural resources, while preserving its environmental heritage.
This wave of arrests of former ministers has aroused keen media interest, and the country is awaiting new revelations and developments in this affair. Gabonese citizens hope that this will mark the start of a new era of good governance and respect for the rule of law in their country.