The Gabonese government has imposed a ban on foreign holidays for officials as part of efforts to curb excessive spending and promote accountability within public service.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, who is leading the transitional government of Gabon, has prohibited his officials from traveling outside the country to spend their holiday time.

On national television, Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi – a spokesperson for the government – declared that officials can only take one week of leave.

Manfoumbi suggests that the purpose of this measure is to promote reconnecting with the indigenous culture and establishing closer relationships with nearby communities. This strategy allows governing bodies to gain a better understanding of the needs and desires of Gabonese citizens.

He clarified that only in cases of duly justified force majeure or proven health reasons, exceptions would be allowed. However, the head of state’s explicit authorization is mandatory for such exemptions to take place.

Prior to the Day of National Liberation, which has been nicknamed by the interim government and is set for August 30th as a commemoration of one year since Gabonese President Ali Bongo was removed from power through military intervention, this decision was made.

Last year, General Nguema commanded a unit of Gabonese troops in deposing Ali Bongo. Despite being declared the winner of his nation’s contested presidential election, Mr. Bongo was ousted from power after 14 years as leader following his succession to authority upon the death of his father Omar Bongo Ondimba four decades later in 2009.

Having assumed the presidency of Gabon as an interim leader in September, Nguema has been making efforts to convince over 2 million Gabonese citizens that his government is dedicated towards serving their welfare. This African nation boasts of significant oil reserves.

In November of last year, the military leader declared that Gabon would conduct elections in August 2025 which would be characterized as “free, fair and reliable” so as to hand over control from the military personnel to civilians.

In April, a national dialogue that lasted for a month recommended establishing the groundwork for voting via adopting a new constitution. As part of this initiative, the country is currently gearing up to hold a referendum.

Reportedly, the proposed constitution prohibits members of transitional government from running in the elections although General Nguema has not revealed his candidacy plans.