Gabon and Togo constitutional courts forge closer ties

The growing ties between the Gabonese Constitutional Court and its Togolese counterpart are expected to result in a pooling of efforts and exchange of expertise. The heads of these two high courts, Dieudonné Aba’a Owono and Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley, laid the groundwork for this partnership yesterday at the Constitutional Palace during a meeting, following the arrival of the Togolese delegation in Libreville for a working and friendship visit.

This initiative builds on the strong relations between Gabon’s Head of State, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and Togo’s President, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The two leaders share common perspectives on several regional and international issues.

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

“The dialogue between our courts is not only beneficial for our institutions; it is beneficial for Africa,” said Dieudonné Aba’a Owono. “It is no longer a mere exercise of constitutional courtesy; it has become a necessity for strengthening the rule of law on our continent.” He expressed hope that this visit would be the first of many, allowing constitutional judges from both countries to work together, share reflections, jurisprudence, and concerns.

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Similarly, Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley reaffirmed the relevance of the initiative. “In this time of war-torn turmoil, when the prestige of the rule of law is receding in many parts of the world, the dialogue between our courts gives us the opportunity to affirm our shared values expressed in the principle of the rule of law,” he emphasized. The Togolese delegation’s stay ends on Wednesday.