Gabon faces key un anti-corruption review to strengthen governance

The Gabon is hosting the second-cycle evaluation mission of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Libreville since June 29. Over three days, international experts, Gabonese authorities, and national institutions are reviewing anti-corruption prevention and asset recovery mechanisms. For Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, CNLCEI President Nestor Mbou, and UNODC National Focal Point Séraphin Ondoumba, this assessment marks a major step in consolidating governance under the Fifth Republic.

Gabon is undertaking a new international exercise to measure progress in the fight against corruption. Opened on June 29 in Libreville, the evaluation mission of the second cycle of the UNCAC review mechanism brings together representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), experts from Chad and Libya, and all relevant administrations.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault stated that “the quality of governance has become one of the primary determinants of development, institutional stability, and citizen trust,” making this evaluation a strategic meeting for Gabon’s international credibility.

Anti-corruption at the heart of Fifth Republic reforms

For Hermann Immongault, the fight against corruption is now a pillar of the transformation initiated since the advent of the Fifth Republic. “Since the advent of the Fifth Republic, Gabon has undertaken a profound transformation of its public action. This transformation rests on a simple but fundamental requirement: to sustainably restore trust between the state and citizens by consolidating institutions that are more transparent, more accountable, and more results-oriented,” he declared.

The Vice-President of the Government recalled that corruption is not only a risk to public finances. “It weakens institutions, undermines the social contract between citizens and the state, discourages investment, slows growth, and fuels inequality,” he insisted. In his view, transparency is now a factor of economic competitiveness. “Good governance is therefore no longer just a democratic ideal; it now constitutes a strategic advantage for nations aspiring to sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he emphasized.

Nestor Mbou: “Gabon is undergoing deep institutional transformation”

Taking the floor, the President of the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), Nestor Mbou, placed this evaluation mission in the context of reforms undertaken by the highest state authorities. “This mission holds particular importance for the Gabonese Republic. It comes at a time marked by a deep dynamic of institutional transformation driven by the highest state authorities and by strengthening accountability in the management of public affairs,” he said.

The CNLCEI President recalled the guidelines set by President of the Republic Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his speech before Parliament convened in Congress on June 15. He notably quoted the head of state: “Before the liberation coup of August 30, 2023, endemic corruption, clientelism, and poor governance elevated to a principle coexisted with a high level of poverty.“

For Nestor Mbou, this presidential statement reflects a clear political will to address the root causes of dysfunctions that have long weakened public action. He also recalled another major guideline from the head of state: “From now on, our country deserves strong, credible institutions, a sanitized governance, more in line with international standards regarding respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law.” According to him, these guidelines now constitute “the foundation of the action of public institutions engaged in the prevention and fight against corruption.“

Séraphin Ondoumba calls for an exercise of truth and cooperation

In his capacity as UNODC National Focal Point, Séraphin Ondoumba welcomed the international experts, praising the spirit of cooperation characterizing this mission. “For the Gabonese Republic, this exercise holds particular importance. It reflects our country’s ongoing commitment to comply with obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and to strengthen national mechanisms for preventing, detecting, and punishing acts of corruption,” he indicated.

The focal point recalled that the work will focus primarily on preventive measures and asset recovery, two aspects he considers essential for strengthening the rule of law and protecting public resources. He also called on all mobilized administrations to make this “direct dialogue” a “moment of truth, progress, and renewed commitment in service of good governance, transparency, and the general interest.“

Three days to assess progress and strengthen international cooperation

Beyond reviewing texts, Gabonese authorities aim to make this mission a genuine space for improving public policies. As Nestor Mbou emphasized, “it is not simply about evaluating a legal or institutional framework, but also about identifying good practices, recognizing progress made, measuring remaining challenges, and benefiting from concrete recommendations to accelerate the implementation of our strategy.“

Over three days, international experts will exchange with administrations, courts, independent administrative authorities, oversight bodies, and civil society representatives to assess the level of implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Through this evaluation, Gabon intends to demonstrate that the fight against corruption is no longer just a legal imperative but has become a strategic axis of governance, state modernization, and strengthening its attractiveness to investors and international partners.