Gabon Launches Comprehensive Public Debt Audit to Secure IMF Support

Gabon's finance ministry announced on Monday the commencement of a rigorous audit of its public loans. The process aims to establish a definitive total of the nation's debt stock by identifying which obligations should be formally recognized as public liabilities. This fiscal cleanup is a strategic prerequisite as Gabon seeks to enter into a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). By reconciling its accounts, the government intends to present a transparent financial position to international creditors and the IMF to facilitate funding. The audit covers the period between 2016 and 2024. Specifically, the ministry is scrutinizing disputed items, including projects that were never fully executed and funds that failed to reach the national Treasury accounts. Additionally, the review will address budgetary commitments that the government contends were not properly recorded as public liabilities. This suggests a potential discrepancy between previously reported debt levels and actual obligations. For investors, the audit signals a push toward fiscal discipline but also highlights previous accounting irregularities. The outcome of this review will likely determine the terms of any future IMF bailout and the country's ability to regain stability in international capital markets.