Makokou, Gabon — June 30, 2026 LEAD: Firmin Lendzonga, 40, the manager of the CECADO store in Makokou, was arrested on June 27, 2026, following allegations of embezzling goods valued at over 27 million FCFA, prompting concerns over the financial integrity of the retail sector in Gabon. NUT GRAF: The detention of Lendzonga, who is currently under a pre-trial detention order, stems from a complaint lodged with the provincial branch of the Gabonese Judicial Police by Delanchy Ndong Mba, a representative of CECA-GADIS.
The incident comes amid reported financial difficulties at CECA — GADIS, a major retail group in Gabon with over 103 points of sale and nearly 2,500 employees.
The CECADO store in Makokou, managed by Lendzonga, is situated in the Central district of the second arrondissement of the commune of Makokou, within the Ogooué-Ivindo province in north-eastern Gabon.
The arrest has sparked concerns about the financial health of CECA — GADIS, which has been reported to be facing financial strain and potentially on the verge of bankruptcy.
According to reports, CECA — GADIS has encountered financial difficulties, and this situation has raised questions about the stability of the retail sector in Gabon, particularly in rural areas where CECADO stores are often the sole provider of a variety of products. Lendzonga’s arrest and the allegations of embezzlement are indicative of the broader financial challenges within the CECADO chain, which is part of the CECA-GADIS group and has been operating in Gabon for several years, providing essential goods to the population.
The recent arrest and the broader financial struggles of the company have generated fears among consumers and stakeholders regarding the future of the retail sector in the country.
In a statement, officials confirmed that an investigation into the alleged embezzlement is ongoing, and Lendzonga is being held in pre — trial detention while the case is processed.
The arrest has also drawn attention to the broader economic challenges faced by Gabon, particularly in the retail sector. CECA-GADIS, which operates over 103 points of sale, has been struggling to maintain its operations amidst economic pressures, and the situation has raised concerns about job security and the availability of essential goods in rural areas.
As the investigation continues, the future of CECA — GADIS and its CECADO stores remains uncertain.
The arrest of Lendzonga and the allegations of embezzlement are a stark reminder of the financial challenges facing the retail sector in Gabon, and the need for transparency and accountability in the management of large retail chains. KICKER: The public and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the next developments in the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of over 27 million FCFA from the CECADO store in Makokou, as the outcome could have significant implications for the future of CECA-GADIS and the retail sector in Gabon.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
