Gabon and Togo deepen ties between their constitutional courts

The constitutional courts of Gabon and Togo are moving closer together through a partnership aimed at pooling efforts and exchanging experiences. The presidents of these two high jurisdictions, Dieudonné Aba’a Owono and Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley, laid the groundwork for this cooperation yesterday at the Constitutional Palace in Libreville, following the arrival of the Togolese delegation for a working and friendship visit.

This initiative builds on the excellent relations between Gabon’s head of state, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and Togo’s Council president, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The two leaders share convergent views on a number of regional and international issues.

According to both presidents, the rapprochement between their courts is timely given current and future challenges. Constitutional justice must meet the demands of an intergenerational society and safeguard the dignity, rights, and freedoms of future generations.

“The dialogue between our courts is not only useful for our institutions—it is useful for Africa. It is no longer a simple exercise in constitutional courtesy; it has become a necessity for strengthening the rule of law on our continent,” said Dieudonné Aba’a Owono. He expressed hope that this visit is the first of many, so that constitutional judges from both countries can work together, share their reflections, case law, and questions.

Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley also reaffirmed the relevance of the approach. “In this time of stormy conflict, when the prestige of the rule of law is receding in many parts of the world, the dialogue between our jurisdictions gives us the opportunity to affirm our shared values expressed through the principle of the rule of law,” he stressed. The Togolese delegation’s stay ends on Wednesday.