Gabon has stepped onto the 81st United Nations General Assembly stage in New York, which opened on September 22, with a newly acquired responsibility inside the world body. Elected in June to the vice-presidency of the General Assembly, Libreville is using this session to formally enter the Assembly’s Bureau, the principal deliberative organ of the United Nations.
This fresh position adds unusual weight to Gabon’s presence in New York. It comes as Libreville seeks to deepen its footing in multilateralism and push its priorities on major international issues. Leading the Gabonese delegation in this context is Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny.
A mandate that goes beyond attending the General Assembly
Acting on instructions from President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Integration and the Diaspora is representing the head of state at this high-level gathering. Her mission therefore extends well beyond simply taking part in the Assembly’s proceedings: she carries the Gabonese president’s message and policy directions at one of the defining events on the global diplomatic calendar.
Coordinating positions and signing key treaties
Ahead of the general debate, a coordination meeting was held at Gabon’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations to align the delegation’s positions. On the margins of the 81st General Assembly, the minister signed two major instruments on behalf of the Gabonese state last Wednesday: the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and a treaty on combating cybercrime. Several government ministries are engaged around priorities including climate, the protection of forests and oceans, health, housing and digital transformation.
An early test of Gabon’s new Bureau role
Beyond sector-specific files, this 81st session represents the first real test of the new responsibility entrusted to Gabon within the General Assembly Bureau. It gives Libreville an additional platform to defend its interests and strengthen its partnerships. One of the highlights of this participation is expected tomorrow, September 26. From the United Nations rostrum, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny will deliver the country’s official address on behalf of Gabon and in representation of the president of the Republic.
