The budget allocated to youth is 1,750,000,000 FCFA: will the Head of State Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema manage to introduce concrete changes within the Ministry of Youth?
November 3, 2024
As the referendum to adopt the new Constitution approaches, the challenge for the Transitional President, the Head of State, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is even more important: to get the support of Gabonese youth, which is approximately 70% . of the population. But the question of transparency and the effective management of the budget, which is estimated at 1.75 billion CFA francs, are still in doubt.
Indeed, within the Ministry of Youth, several entities such as the General Directorate of Youth and Socio-Educational Activities and the current fictitious Office of the National Youth Council of Gabon (CNJG) are in the crosshairs.
Young people regret that the same activists, who are considered disconnected from current realities and global issues, are still in charge. At a time when critical issues, addressed in international forums such as the Global Youth Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, or the recommendations of the New York Summit in the Future, transform and innovate as the key to success, current managers seem to ignore these dynamics.
Young people therefore have high expectations: they aspire to profound changes, to a clarified governance that responds to the challenges of the changing world and takes into account their ambitions and creative potential.
Repeated calls from the Junior Enterprise Consul (JEC) for transparent specifications went unanswered. With this silence, suspicion grows. Young Gabonese people are wondering: will the Transitional President be able to completely reform the ministry, hire new actors aligned with the realities of the contemporary world, and thus meet the expectations of the youth who want to be heard with her and that she will finally be supported? ?
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Youth Policy Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we discuss the pressing issues that shape our society. Today, we delve into a critical topic impacting Gabonese youth, with an estimated 70% of the population being under 30 years old. Joining me is Dr. Amina Tchibanga, a respected expert in youth policy and social development. Thank you for being here, Dr. Tchibanga.
Dr. Tchibanga: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss the future of Gabonese youth and the implications of the government’s budget allocation.
Editor: To start, there’s been a recent announcement of a budget allocation of 1,750,000,000 FCFA specifically for youth programs. What does this signify in terms of governmental priorities, especially under the leadership of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema?
Dr. Tchibanga: This allocation is a promising step towards addressing the needs of young people in Gabon. It indicates that the government acknowledges the important role youth play in the nation’s future. However, it’s crucial to remember that budget numbers alone do not lead to change; effective planning and transparency in execution are vital to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Editor: Absolutely. Needing transparency is a concern—how can the Gabonese government ensure that these funds are managed effectively and reach the youth who need it most?
Dr. Tchibanga: Transparency can be fostered through rigorous oversight mechanisms, involving stakeholders such as youth organizations and civil society. Initiatives should be implemented to monitor the allocation and use of funds, allowing young people to have an active voice in how resources are distributed.
Editor: You mentioned the role of youth organizations. Considering the significant number of young people in Gabon, how can these groups engage with the government to maximize the impact of this budget?
Dr. Tchibanga: Youth organizations can act as crucial intermediaries. They should advocate for specific programs that directly address youth concerns—like education, job creation, and mental health services. Regular dialogues between these organizations and government officials can help align priorities and foster a collaborative environment.
Editor: With a referendum on a new constitution approaching, what opportunities do you see for young people to influence the constitutional framework and policies that affect them?
Dr. Tchibanga: This is an opportune moment for youth! They should mobilize to make their voices heard in the constitutional process. By actively participating in discussions, campaigns, and forums, they can advocate for rights and policies that reflect their aspirations and challenges. The government should also ensure that these platforms are accessible and welcoming to youth inputs.
Editor: Some have expressed skepticism about whether the government’s promises will translate into actual change. What recommendations would you give to the youth of Gabon to be proactive in this situation?
Dr. Tchibanga: I would encourage young Gabonese to stay engaged and informed. They should demand accountability while also becoming proactive members of their communities. Engaging in local initiatives, educating peers about their rights, and holding officials accountable can help foster a culture of active citizenship and influence positive change.
Editor: It sounds like the success of this initiative hinges on both government action and youth involvement. As we wrap up, what are your hopes for the future of Gabonese youth with this budgetary allocation?
Dr. Tchibanga: I am hopeful that if managed properly, this budget can significantly improve the lives of Gabonese youth. It’s a critical moment where the government can choose to invest in the potential of its younger generations. If these funds are used strategically and transparently, we could see a revival in enthusiasm among the youth for political participation and community development, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more inclusive society.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tchibanga, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while challenges exist, there is also a tremendous opportunity for change. We at Time.news look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds.
Dr. Tchibanga: Thank you for having me. I hope to see positive developments in Gabon soon!