Louis-Gaston Mayila Gabonese politician Date of Birth: 25.01.1947 Country: Gabon

1. Early Life and Career
2. Involvement in Government
3. Party Formation and Relationship with President Bongo
4. Return to the PDG and Formation of the UPRN
5. Reconciliation and Party Recognition
6. Assessment of Gabon
7. Business Interests

Early Life and Career

Born on January 25, 1947, in Ngounie, Gabon, Louis-Gaston Mayila pursued a career in both the public and private sectors. He initially joined 'Shell Gabon' as a Human Resources and Training Officer in 1973. In 1974, he became the Director of the National School of Administration before being appointed as the President's Personal Advisor later that year.

Involvement in Government

Mayila's political career accelerated in 1975 when he was appointed Director of the Gabonese President's Office. He concurrently served as Minister of Post and Communications from 1976 onwards. Additionally, he was associated with the National Forest Company of Gabon.

From 1980 to 1987, Mayila held the position of Secretary-General. He subsequently served as Minister of National Education from 1987 to 1989, and then as Minister of Labor, Employment, Human Resources, and Vocational Training from 1989 to 1990. Following this, he was appointed Personal Advisor to the Gabonese President for Development and Public Investment from 1990 to 1992.

Party Formation and Relationship with President Bongo

In 1992, Mayila resigned and established the People's Unity Party (PUP). Despite his resignation, the PUP allied itself with the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) and supported Bongo's candidacy in the 1993 presidential elections. Mayila's involvement in negotiations leading to the 1994 Paris Accords between the government and opposition saw him appointed as Minister with Delegated Powers. He went on to become Minister of Interior, Decentralization, and Safeguarding Negotiations in early 1995 and President of the Economic and Social Council (CES) in early 1997.

Return to the PDG and Formation of the UPRN

In 2005, Mayila returned to the PDG as Vice-President. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with his position, threatening to create a new party. On February 28, 2007, the PDG's Secretary-General publicly called for Mayila to refrain from threats and follow party discipline. On July 16, 2007, Mayila announced the formation of the Union for the New Republic (UPRN). Bongo promptly dismissed Mayila and installed Jean-François Ndongou in his place.

Reconciliation and Party Recognition

Despite his separation from the government, Mayila maintained a cordial relationship with Bongo. On October 3, 2007, he met with the president to resolve misunderstandings and address issues. Mayila held a press conference on January 12, 2008, announcing the legal recognition of his party and its participation in the April 2008 elections.

Assessment of Gabon

In March 2008, Mayila stated that Gabon was "neither a dictatorship nor a democracy, neither paradise nor hell," characterizing the country as somewhere in between. He supported Pierre Mamboundou of the Gabonese People's Union in the August 30, 2009, presidential elections after President Bongo's death in June 2009.

Business Interests

Outside of politics, Mayila has held presidency positions in various companies, primarily national airlines, including 'Air Inter Gabon', 'COFMA', 'AGAR', and 'Air Gabon'.