General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the President of the Transition of Gabon, recently honored the memory of the late Léon Mba by participating in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at his mausoleum. This annual event, held on August 16, pays tribute to the Father of the Nation, who was Gabon’s first president and the inaugural mayor of Libreville. The ceremony was attended by government officials, political leaders, and members of the Transitional Committee for the Restoration of Institutions.
Following this heartfelt tribute, which precedes the commemoration of Gabon’s 64th anniversary of international sovereignty, General Oligui engaged with the family of the late president, particularly his widow, Catherine Léon Mba. This visit was significant, coming after the ceremonial handover on August 12 of the keys to the newly renovated stele honoring the Father of the Nation.
In his role as Grand Master of the National Orders, General Oligui also presided over a decoration ceremony held at the Senate esplanade. During this event, civil and military figures were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Grand Officer of the National Order, the Equatorial Star, and the Grand Cross of the Gabonese National Order of Merit. Notably, this year’s ceremony honored 1,015 recipients from diverse social backgrounds, including indigenous peoples, translators and interpreters in vernacular and sign languages, traditional speakers, and command auxiliaries. This initiative reflects the Head of State’s commitment to making national distinctions accessible to all Gabonese citizens.
In addition to the wreath-laying and decoration ceremonies, General Oligui, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Zita Oligui Nguema, members of the CTRI, and government officials, attended a “liberation” mass at Sainte Marie Cathedral. This Eucharistic celebration, led by Monsignor Jean Patrick Ibaba, served as an opportunity to express gratitude for God’s mercy towards the Gabonese people and to commemorate the liberation coup of August 30. During his homily, Monsignor Ibaba urged attendees, particularly the CTRI and government members, to remain steadfast in their faith, promote altruism, and foster a spirit of unity, sharing, and reconciliation.