The Gabonese military authorities have decided to extend the age of cars that can be imported by 5 to 8 years. Since 2016, no used car over five years old could enter Gabonese territory. Seven years later, the Gabonese automobile fleet has aged significantly, particularly public transport cars.
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With our correspondent in Libreville, Yves-Laurent Goma
Terminus city Damascus, 5th district. Edgard Mouketou dusts off his clando, that is to say an old car without papers providing public transport: “ They are all old. You have to stick, hit [pour les réparer]. » The military’s decision to extend the age of used cars authorized for import from 5 to 8 years is welcomed.
“ We are ready to buy a car, if they are cheaper », Says a Gabonese woman. “ This is so that the Gabonese can easily obtain a vehicle », Satisfies a Libreville resident.
Rodrigue Nnang, middle manager, however, believes that eight years is still insufficient to reduce the cost of cars. “ We know that a car 10 or 15 years old can be resold here for 2 million or 2.5 million CFA francs. [3 050 ou 3 800 euros, ndlr] »
Transport unions have been fighting the decision of the ousted government for 7 years. Jean-Robert Menié is satisfied to have been listened to by the military. “ We had the impression that power was deaf. However, they could have gone further. For example, 10 or 12 years old is a reasonable age. »
Ali Bongo had limited the age of imported cars to 5 years to fight against pollution and climate change, he explained.
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