Gabon faces un anti-corruption review to strengthen governance

Since June 29, Libreville has been hosting an evaluation mission for the second cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) review mechanism. Over three days, international experts, Gabonese authorities, and national institutions are examining anti-corruption prevention measures and asset recovery. Government vice-president Hermann Immongault, National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI) president Nestor Mbou, and the national focal point for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Séraphin Ondoumba, see this assessment as a major step in consolidating governance under the Fifth Republic.

Anti-corruption at heart of Fifth Republic reforms

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 milestone for Gabon’s international credibility. He stressed that corruption is not just a risk to public finances. “It weakens institutions, undermines the trust contract between citizens and the state, discourages investment, slows growth, and fuels inequality,” he said. Transparency is now a factor of economic competitiveness: “Good governance is no longer just a democratic ideal; it is now a strategic advantage for nations seeking sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

Nestor Mbou: Gabon embarks on deep institutional transformation

The CNLCEI president placed the mission in the context of reforms led by the highest state authorities. “This mission is of particular importance for the Gabonese Republic. It comes at a time marked by a deep institutional transformation dynamic driven by the highest state authorities and a strengthening of accountability in public affairs management,” he said. He recalled President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s speech before Parliament on June 15, quoting: “Before the liberation coup of August 30, 2023, endemic corruption, cronyism, and poor governance raised to a principle coexisted with high poverty levels.” Nestor Mbou emphasized that this shows a clear political will to tackle root causes of dysfunctions and cited another presidential direction: “Our country now deserves strong, credible institutions, a cleaned-up governance more in line with international standards on human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law.” He added that these orientations now form “the foundation of the action of public institutions engaged in preventing and fighting corruption.”

Séraphin Ondoumba calls for truth and cooperation

As national focal point for UNODC, Séraphin Ondoumba welcomed international experts, praising the cooperative spirit of the mission. “For the Gabonese Republic, this exercise is particularly important. It reflects our country’s constant commitment to respecting obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and to strengthening national mechanisms for prevention, detection, and repression of corrupt acts,” he noted. He said the work will mainly focus on preventive measures and asset recovery, essential for strengthening the rule of law and protecting public resources. He called on all mobilized administrations to make this dialogue “a moment of truth, progress, and renewed commitment in the service of good governance, transparency, and the general interest.”

Three days to assess progress and boost international cooperation

Beyond examining laws, Gabonese authorities want this mission to be a real space for improving public policies. Nestor Mbou stated: “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, control bodies, and civil society representatives to assess the level of implementation of the UNCAC. Through this evaluation, Gabon aims to show that fighting corruption is no longer just a legal imperative but a strategic axis of governance, state modernization, and enhanced attractiveness to investors and international partners.