FRANCEVILLE, November 20, 2024 (AGP) – The Court of First Instance of Franceville, the provincial capital of Haut-Ogooué (South-east), hosted, on Tuesday, November 19, the swearing-in ceremony of seven agents of the The Agency for the Regulation of Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) on behalf of the Haut-Ogooué/Ogooué-Lolo provincial delegation, noted the AGP.
Provided for by article 5 of decree 000026/MCEN of March 14, 2011, this oath formalizes the entry into office of agents as Judicial Police Officers (OPJ). Before the oath, the deputy public prosecutor, Ebang Zué, delivered an indictment: “The oath that you are about to take is highly symbolic in that it will legally establish your entry into office. You will be responsible for observing offenses in the telecommunications sector, gathering evidence, searching for the perpetrators and referring them to the public prosecutor. (…). Be aware from today that you are major players in the regulation of the telecommunications sector in the Gabonese Republic.”
Each agent then took an oath individually, appearing at the bar to pronounce aloud, with raised right hand, the established formula: “I swear to fulfill with loyalty and objectivity the obligations of my mission in absolute respect for the texts which govern the electronic telecommunications and postal sector and to religiously maintain the secrecy of the information to which I have access. I swear.”
The court then took note of this oath and sent the agents back to carry out their duties. the deputy public prosecutor stressed that “Oaths, like other promises, do not only bind those who pronounce them, they also bind those who listen to them”. Chaired by Haurelia Otha Nkoure, this solemn audience was marked by the presence of the governor of the Haut-Ogooué province, Jacques Denis Tsanga and two advisors who are members of ARCEP.
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Interview: The Importance of Regulatory Bodies in Telecommunications – A Discussion with Dr. Emilie Ndombi
Editor (Time.news): Good morning, Dr. Ndombi! Thank you for joining us today. The recent swearing-in ceremony for the new agents of ARCEP in Franceville marks an important step in telecommunications regulation in Gabon. What are the key roles these Judicial Police Officers (OPJ) will play in the sector?
Dr. Emilie Ndombi: Good morning! I’m delighted to be here. The newly sworn-in agents of ARCEP carry significant responsibilities. They are tasked with monitoring the telecommunications landscape, which includes identifying and addressing offenses related to telecommunications. This is crucial for maintaining a fair, competitive, and transparent market. As judicial police officers, they will have the authority to gather evidence related to offenses and investigate perpetrators, which empowers them to enforce regulations effectively.
Editor: That sounds like a monumental task. How does this empowering of ARCEP agents reflect on the overall health of the telecommunications sector in Gabon?
Dr. Ndombi: It signifies a robust commitment to regulatory oversight. By formally recognizing these agents as OPJs, the government is taking proactive steps to ensure that the telecommunications sector operates within the bounds of the law. This move can enhance consumer confidence, provoke fair competition among service providers, and foster a more reliable telecommunications environment which is essential for economic growth and innovation.
Editor: Interestingly, the deputy public prosecutor mentioned in his address that these officers will be “major players” in regulating the sector. How can their roles influence everyday consumers in Gabon?
Dr. Ndombi: Absolutely, their influence can be profound. To the average consumer, this means that there will be more vigilance against practices like fraud, poor service quality, or even monopolistic behaviors within the telecommunications sector. The proactive approach to regulation can lead to better services, lower prices, and an overall improved experience for consumers. It also encourages companies to adhere strictly to laws and regulations, knowing that there are dedicated officers inspecting their practices.
Editor: This initiative is tied to a broader regulatory framework. Can you elaborate on how existing laws, such as decree 000026/MCEN, support the functions of ARCEP?
Dr. Ndombi: Certainly! Decree 000026/MCEN sets the foundation for the establishment of ARCEP and delineates the powers and responsibilities of its agents. It emphasizes the protection of consumers’ rights and the need for fair competition. By formalizing the role of these agents, the decree enables them to act swiftly and decisively when breaches are identified. Thus, legislation ensures that the agents not only have the authority to enforce rules but also to adapt as new challenges in the telecommunications landscape arise.
Editor: Looking ahead, what challenges do you see for ARCEP and its newly sworn agents in carrying out their responsibilities?
Dr. Ndombi: One of the main challenges will be keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and emerging threats in telecommunications. Cybersecurity concerns, for example, are increasingly prevalent; ensuring that these agents are equipped with the necessary skills and tools will be vital. Additionally, they may face resistance from certain telecommunication providers, especially those that may have operated without stringent oversight until now. Continuous training and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies will be essential for their effectiveness.
Editor: That opens up a conversation about ongoing support. What further measures should the government take to bolster ARCEP’s capabilities?
Dr. Ndombi: Continued investment in training for these officers is crucial. This includes not only legal and regulatory training but also technological education to understand modern telecommunications better. There should also be a focus on public awareness campaigns so that consumers know their rights and how to report any violations. fostering a collaborative environment with telecommunications companies and other stakeholders will also help to create a culture of compliance rather than confrontation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ndombi, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It certainly seems that the role of ARCEP is vital for driving a positive change in Gabon’s telecommunications sector.
Dr. Ndombi: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Gabon, and I hope to see continued progress in ensuring that the telecommunications environment benefits everyone.