Joseph Owondault Berre assumed the role of Vice-President of the Transition in Gabon on September 11, 2023. The President of the Transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, appointed him to this position after toppling former President Ali Bongo Ondimba on August 30th, 2023. Although Joseph Owondault Berre may not enjoy widespread recognition in Gabon, he has now become the country’s second-ranking official as per protocol.
His appointment aligns with Article 40 of the Transition Charter, which states, “The President of the Transition may be assisted by a Vice-President of the Transition. The Vice-President of the Transition is appointed by the President of the Transition, who may terminate their functions.”
Joseph Owondault Berre is a figure relatively unknown to the Gabonese public, characterized as a remarkably discreet individual by those close to him. Before his appointment, he was leading a quiet retirement following his service at the Gabonese Energy and Water Company (SEEG) and the Gabonese Storage of Petroleum Products Company (SGEPP).
Throughout his career, the new Vice-President of the Transition earned a reputation as a disciplined, principled leader, untainted by allegations of theft or corruption.
Joseph Owondault Berre’s educational journey took him from his primary and secondary schooling in Libreville to France, where he earned an engineering degree at the National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) in Lyon, specializing in electrical engineering.
It’s worth noting that, according to the Transition Charter, the Vice-President is not eligible to run in the presidential election that will mark the end of the transition period. This provision remains unamendable.
As Gabon navigates through this transitional phase, Joseph Owondault Berre’s appointment as vice president brings both intrigue and curiosity about his role in the nation’s evolving political landscape. His reputation for integrity and competence suggests a deliberate choice by the President of the Transition, and the coming days may offer further insights into his vision and contributions to Gabon’s future.