Gabon: resignation of the Minister of Transport a week after the sinking of the ferry "Esther Miracle"

Relatives and friends lay candles and flowers for those missing following the ferry disaster, at the port of Libreville, March 13, 2023. AFP - STEEVE JORDAN

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In Gabon, a week after the sinking of the ferry "Esther Miracle", which killed at least 21 people, the Minister of Transport resigned on Thursday, March 16. In a statement, the presidency said that Brice Paillat had "submitted his resignation to the President of the Republic" Ali Bongo Ondimba, "who accepted it". However, the statement did not specify the reasons for the resignation and did not refer to the sinking. The ferry "Esther Miracle" was linking the Gabonese capital Libreville to the oil port of Port-Gentil when it sank on March 9 in the middle of the night about ten kilometers from the coast.

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Four administrative officials from the Merchant Navy and Maritime Affairs were suspended. The activities of the shipowner, owner of the ferry stopped until further notice. And police custody of officials and officials of the company that owns the boat is underway.

The sanctions of recent days have not been enough to appease the anger of the families of the victims of the shipwreck. And more generally Gabonese - civil society, opposition - who demanded the resignation of the Minister of Transport. And that those responsible for this tragedy be severely punished.

Mistakes have been made. Survivors of the sinking testified that they were not guided by the crew during the evacuation, that they remained in the water for many hours, clinging to inflatable boats that were taking on water.

The obsolescence of the ship - whose date of construction is unknown - has also been questioned, as well as its unsuitability to carry passengers. It is a mixed vessel that also carries cargo.

Administrative and judicial investigations have been opened, but nothing has filtered, further inflaming the anger of Gabonese.

In the meantime, it is the Minister for Transport who "will ensure the treatment of current affairs until the appointment of a new minister," says the statement of the presidency.

► Read also Gabon: end of national mourning, survivors of the shipwreck create a collective to demand justice

#CommuniquéDePresse I Mr. Brice Paillat today submitted his resignation as Minister of Transport to the @PresidentABO

🔗 Read the press release: https://t.co/s6ZNDX0O72 pic.twitter.com/stzvV9E44z

— Presidency of the Gabonese Republic (@PresidenceGabon) March 16, 2023

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