A year after the legislative body approved military programming measures, the government is now steering Gabon toward a significant upgrade of its National Police. During the Council of Ministers session held on June 25, 2026, officials adopted a security programming bill designed for the 2026-2030 period. This strategic reform follows an earlier announcement made on February 10 by the Vice-President of the Government, Hermann Immongault.
Through this new legislation, the executive branch seeks to align the security apparatus with an increasingly intricate global environment. Authorities highlight that the rise of digital threats, sophisticated trafficking networks, and emerging forms of criminality necessitate a deep evolution of police capabilities. This five-year framework will act as a strategic guide for directing investments, boosting service efficiency, and expanding the police presence throughout the country.
A comprehensive transformation of the National Police
The reform is built on the ambition to fundamentally change how police forces operate. Key priorities include the continuous training of personnel, the integration of advanced technologies into security operations, and a more balanced territorial distribution. Additionally, there is a strong focus on improving the relationship between officers and the communities they serve. Gabon also intends to leverage international cooperation within this framework to better address cross-border security issues.
This drive for modernisation, however, arrives at a time of fiscal tightening. While the need for investment is clear, the revised 2026 finance bill actually shows a reduction in credits allocated to security. This financial discrepancy raises questions regarding the speed at which these planned measures can be implemented. The ultimate success of this programming will depend on the state’s capacity to find the necessary funding and maintain its commitment to these reforms until 2030.
