20091130

LIBREVILLE (Reuters) - Gabon's new President Ali Ben Bongo has won over some doubters with early policy shifts, but many in the central African nation still await proof of a real break with the era of his long-ruling father Omar.

The relaxed atmosphere on the streets of the capital Libreville on Monday was a far cry from the mood in August, when Ben Bongo's disputed election victory sparked clashes between anti-riot police and supporters of his aggrieved rivals.

While few expected the unrest to last in an oil-producing country that is wealthier and more stable than most of its neighbours, even sceptics said Ben Bongo had earned respect with moves to rein in once-rampant cronyism and state profligacy.

"He is slowly enjoying the confidence of some of those who voted against him," said local activist Nicaise Moulombi of steps to sack once untouchable politicians and a vow to clean out ghost workers in the country's bloated civil service.

Ben Bongo scored 42 percent of the vote in an August 30 poll denounced by rivals as fraudulent. Some observers said he could only retain power by forming a national unity government, but the opposition has proved too divided to apply any pressure.

One of Bongo's first steps was to slash from 50 to 30 the number of ministers in government. Officials running state businesses have also seen monthly salaries capped at 5 million CFA francs down from over 25 million CFA for some.

An audit of the civil service -- whose staff swelled over the years to 55,000 as posts were handed out to family, friends and foes in a vast web of patronage -- has gone down well.

"He has done well by reducing government. People are supporting the audit. If all this is followed through, he could make some savings," Moulombi added.