Visionary Reports

This was during an Extraordinary session that took place in Douala on June 4.

An extraordinary session of the CEMAC Committee of Ministers of the Agency for the Supervision of Air Safety in Central Africa (ASSA-AC), dedicated primarily to revising its budget for the 2025 financial year, took place in Douala on June 4th. During the session, members reviewed and adopted the revised action plan and revised budget. They also identified priority areas where adjustments were essential to address current challenges. They discussed strategies to ensure consistency between available resources and strategic objectives outlined in their Agency’s roadmap, as well as control and monitoring mechanisms to guarantee transparent and responsible management of the Agency. They also reached a consensus on the new budgetary framework, taking into account constraints and opportunities. All the above is geared towards keeping the aviation space within the CEMAC zone safe and innovative.While opening the session in Douala on June 4th, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Agency for the Supervision of Air Safety in Central Africa (ASSA-AC), Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of the Central African Republic (CAR), Herbert Gontran Djono Ahaba, explained that the session was focusing on reviewing and adopting plans and budgets, identifying priorities, ensuring resource alignment, and establishing effective management mechanisms. The chairman added that the extraordinary session was a commitment for members to face current challenges and strengthen governance, and ensure the sustainability of their actions. He reminded all that the revision of the budget was not just an accounting formality but a fundamental strategic step to guarantee the coherence of programs, the achievement of their objectives, and the stability of the organization. The chairman also disclosed that after the 5th ordinary session in Bangui in February 2024, ASSA-AC started collecting the Regional Air Safety Fee (RSAR) on its own funds. “This new resource creates an urgent need to reassess our financial allocations. Our main objective is to ensure the continuity of our actions while optimizing the use of this resource. The need for this revision should not be perceived as a constraint but as an opportunity to strengthen our effectiveness and adapt our strategies to the reality on the ground,” he disclosed.

On his part, Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe, laid emphasis on the interest towards a harmonious and secure development of civil aviation in Central Africa and beyond, which is in line with building an integrated, safe, and high-performing community space. He also highlighted that the meeting is taking place at a time when there are significant progress in several major projects, particularly the implementation of the Regional Air Safety Fee.On his part, Francial Giscard Baudin Libengue Dobele Kpoka, CEMAC Commissioner in charge of the Department of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, emphasized that the Committee has as its mission to improve air safety in the CEMAC region in terms of developing and updating air safety regulations, training technical personnel of States, and supporting States in implementing ICAO standards and recommended practices. He also highlighted the progress and achievements of ASSA-AC in improving air safety in the CEMAC region and its potential for future growth and devel

By GINA ESONG