Gabon has given 600 people and companies one month to pay back 1,700 billion FCFA about $2.8 billion or face criminal court.
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s government says the money is unpaid state debts and fines. The deadline is October 7, 2026. Anyone who does not settle by then can be moved from a financial case to a criminal case, with the risk of prison.
The Court of Accounts first revealed the huge amount earlier this month. It built up over about 20 years. The list includes public accountants, officials who signed off spending, local government leaders, and private companies that handled or received public money.
1,700 billion FCFA is a massive sum for Gabon. Reports say it is close to one-third of this year’s revised state budget.
The government is now trying to collect the money, not just name the debtors. Pay by October 7, or the file can go to a criminal judge.