Gabon’s commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability in public administration took center stage as Vice-President Hermann Immongault officially opened the country evaluation mission in Libreville on Monday, June 29, 2026. This significant four-day gathering convenes technical experts from various government departments, specialists from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and international partners. Their collective objective is to assess the progress Gabon has achieved in its ongoing efforts to prevent and combat corruption, marking the Direct Dialogue phase of the second review cycle for the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
As a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption since October 1, 2007, Gabon is dedicated to solidifying the reforms it has undertaken. These initiatives aim to bolster transparency, foster greater responsibility in public management, and enhance the overall governance of its institutions.
During the official opening, Vice-President Hermann Immongault emphasized that the fight against corruption serves as a crucial catalyst for socio-economic development. He articulated, “Public integrity not only boosts the effectiveness of government action but also secures investment, strengthens economic competitiveness, and establishes the conditions for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.”
This conviction resonates deeply with all stakeholders involved in this pivotal evaluation process. Séraphin Ondoumba, who serves as the UNODC focal point and a commissioner with the National Commission Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), highlighted that this dialogue extends beyond mere technical discussions.
Mr. Ondoumba stated, “I am firmly convinced that this direct dialogue will not only allow for a better appreciation of our nation’s achievements but also significantly reinforce cooperation among State parties and promote best practices in the prevention and fight against corruption.”
This mission represents a critical juncture in the second review cycle of the Convention, which specifically focuses on preventative measures and the recovery of assets derived from corruption.
Mohamed Cherbal, the Head of the UNODC mission, explained that “throughout this week, the review team will conduct an in-depth analysis of Gabon’s anti-corruption frameworks, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the Convention’s provisions related to preventive measures and asset recovery.”
This latest evaluation, scheduled from June 29 to July 1, 2026, builds upon the foundational work of the first review cycle, which commenced in 2010. During that initial phase, Gabon’s performance was assessed against Chapters III and IV of the Convention, which address criminalization, law enforcement, and international cooperation, respectively. That process included an evaluation visit conducted by experts from Sierra Leone and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic between April 21 and 23, 2015.
Today, the expectations for this current review are equally substantial. Nestor Mbou, President of the CNLCEI, views this dialogue as an invaluable opportunity for continuous improvement in public policies.
He affirmed, “The direct dialogue commencing today marks an essential phase in the review process. It is not merely about evaluating a legal or institutional framework; it is also about identifying effective practices, acknowledging progress, measuring remaining challenges, and exploring avenues for improvement that can lead to concrete recommendations to accelerate the implementation of our strategy.”
The findings from this mission are expected to guide future reforms and further strengthen national mechanisms for the prevention, control, and recovery of illicit assets. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a public administration that is more integrated, efficient, and accountable to its citizens, enhancing overall African governance.
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