In front of the office of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) in Libreville, people have been waiting since early in the morning for a follow-up on their files. Many have been waiting for months or years to receive their widow's and widower's pensions. Léonie, 57, has been trying to get her widow's pension since 2018: "We widows are suffering. (...) You need your money to buy your electricity, your water, and you send your children to school". Gabon's new strongman, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has promised to overhaul the CNSS and has also pledged to pay pensions immediately. "We hope things will change," says Aristide Mouanda, who retired a year ago. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES