In a decisive move to enforce budgetary discipline and reduce public spending, the government of Gabon has announced new regulations governing official travel abroad funded by the state.
The announcement, made on Monday in Libreville, outlines stringent guidelines that will now apply to all international missions undertaken by public officials.
This includes restrictions on the class of airline travel, ticket purchasing protocols, duration of stays, and justification of each trip’s necessity.
The decision comes as part of a broader initiative to rationalise state expenditure and enhance fiscal responsibility within the administration.
According to officials, the aim is to ensure that only essential travel is authorised and that such missions offer measurable benefits to the public interest.
The reforms will affect every level of public office, from senior government representatives to mid-level bureaucrats.
Each trip will now require prior approval and must be backed by detailed documentation explaining its purpose, cost, and anticipated outcomes.
Additionally, ticket bookings are to be standardised and centralised to avoid inflated prices, while travel classes will be limited to economy, except under exceptional circumstances.
Daily allowances and accommodation expenses are also to be strictly capped.
Government spokespersons have stated that these changes are essential in light of mounting economic pressures and the need to redirect national resources toward priority sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The announcement has sparked widespread debate within the country, with many citizens welcoming the move as a long-overdue measure to curb misuse of public funds.
Analysts say this could mark a turning point in Gabon’s efforts to improve transparency and restore public trust in government operations.
The new directive is effective immediately and will be overseen by a specially designated body to ensure full compliance.
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