Gabon: Paul Ulrich Kessany Named Minister of Sports. MARRAKECH, Gabon — The Agence Gabonaise de Presse reports that Paul Ulrich Kessany, a former international footballer for Gabon, has been appointed as the country’s new Minister of Sports.
The appointment, effective January 1, 2026, comes amidst a period of decline in the national sports sector, particularly in football.
Background Kessany, who previously served as a Special Advisor and Head of the Sport and Culture Department in the Gabonese presidency, brings extensive experience in sports administration to his new role. His immediate challenge is to rejuvenate Gabon’s sports landscape, which has been hit hard by the early elimination of the national football team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Morocco.
Government’s Stance According to official statements, the government hopes that Kessany’s appointment will breathe new life into Gabon’s sports infrastructure and performance.
Officials commented on the matter. Public Reaction Initial reactions to the appointment have been cautiously optimistic.
Sports enthusiasts and analysts are hopeful that Kessany’s leadership will lead to a turnaround in Gabon’s sports performance.
Next Steps The government has not yet provided details on the specific strategies Kessany plans to implement.
However, it is expected that he will focus on improving training facilities, supporting young athletes, and engaging with the private sector to foster sports development. Further Details Further details on the new minister’s plans and the government’s expectations will be announced in the coming weeks.
For now, the appointment of Paul Ulrich Kessany as Gabon’s Minister of Sports marks a significant development in the nation’s sports administration.
