Gabon is hosting a un evaluation mission in Libreville as part of the second cycle of the review mechanism for the united nations convention against corruption (uncac). From june 29, international experts, gabonese authorities and national institutions are examining the country’s anti-corruption prevention measures and asset recovery systems. Vice-president hermann immongault, cnlcei president nestor mbou and unodc national focal point séraphin ondoumba described this assessment as a key step in consolidating governance under the fifth republic.
Gabon has embarked on a new international exercise to measure progress in fighting corruption. The second-cycle evaluation mission of the uncac review mechanism, which opened on june 29 in Libreville, brings together representatives from the un office on drugs and crime (unodc), experts from Chad and Libya, and all relevant government departments.
Vice-president hermann immongault, who chaired the opening ceremony, 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 moment for Gabon’s international credibility.
Anti-corruption at the heart of fifth republic reforms
For hermann immongault, fighting corruption is now a pillar of the transformation launched since the advent of the fifth republic. “Since the fifth republic was established, Gabon has embarked on a deep reform of its public action. This reform relies on a simple but fundamental requirement: durably restore trust between the state and citizens by consolidating more transparent, accountable and results-oriented institutions,” he said.
The vice-president recalled that corruption is not only 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 stressed. In his view, transparency has become a factor in economic competitiveness. “Good governance is no longer just a democratic ideal; it now constitutes a strategic advantage for nations seeking sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
Nestor mbou: “Gabon is undergoing a deep institutional transformation”
Nestor mbou, president of the national commission for the fight against corruption and illicit enrichment (cnlcei), placed this evaluation mission in the context of reforms undertaken by the highest state authorities. “This mission is particularly important for the gabonese republic. It comes at a time marked by a deep dynamic of institutional transformation led by the highest state authorities and by a strengthening of accountability in the management of public affairs,” he declared.
The cnlcei president recalled the directions set by president brice clotaire oligui nguema during his speech to parliament in congress on june 15. He quoted the head of state: “Before the liberation coup of august 30, 2023, endemic corruption, clientelism and poor governance raised to a principle coexisted with a high level of poverty.”
For nestor mbou, this presidential statement reflects a clear political will to tackle the root causes of the dysfunctions that have long weakened public action. He also recalled another major direction from the head of state: “From now on, our country 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.” According to him, these directions now “form the foundation of the action of public institutions involved in preventing and fighting corruption.”
Séraphin ondoumba calls for a frank and cooperative review
As unodc national focal point, séraphin ondoumba welcomed the international experts, praising the spirit of cooperation characterising this mission. “For the gabonese republic, this exercise is particularly important. It reflects our country’s ongoing commitment to respecting the obligations under the united nations convention against corruption and to strengthening national mechanisms for preventing, detecting and repressing acts of corruption,” he indicated.
The focal point recalled that the work will focus mainly on preventive measures and asset recovery, two components he considers essential for strengthening the rule of law and protecting public resources. He also urged all mobilised administrations to make this “direct 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 reviewing legal texts, gabonese authorities want this mission to be a genuine space for improving public policies. As nestor mbou underlined, “it is not simply about evaluating a legal or institutional framework, but also about identifying good practices, recognising progress made, measuring remaining challenges and benefiting from concrete recommendations to accelerate the implementation of our strategy.”
For three days, international experts will exchange with government departments, 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 aims to demonstrate that fighting corruption is no longer just a legal imperative but has become a strategic axis of governance, state modernisation and a boost to its attractiveness for investors and international partners.
