Gabon is hosting a United Nations evaluation mission in Libreville that began on June 29, marking the second cycle of the review mechanism for the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Over three days, international experts, Gabonese authorities, and national institutions are examining anti-corruption prevention systems and asset recovery efforts. Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, President of the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI) Nestor Mbou, and UNODC National Focal Point Séraphin Ondoumba all underscored this assessment as a decisive step for strengthening governance under the Fifth Republic.
Gabon is engaged in a fresh international exercise designed to measure progress in fighting corruption. The second-cycle evaluation mission of the UNCAC review mechanism opened on June 29 in Libreville, bringing together representatives from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), experts from Chad and Libya, and all relevant government departments.
Presiding over the opening ceremony, Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault declared that “the quality of governance has become one of the primary determinants of development, institutional stability, and citizen trust,” making this evaluation a strategic appointment 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 arrival of the Fifth Republic, Gabon has undertaken a profound transformation of its public action. This transformation rests on a simple but fundamental requirement: lastingly restore trust between the state and citizens by consolidating institutions that are more transparent, more accountable, and more results-oriented,” he stated.
The Vice-President of the Government 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 insisted. In his view, transparency is now a factor of economic competitiveness. “Good governance is therefore no longer just a democratic ideal; it now constitutes a strategic advantage for nations that aspire to sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he emphasized.
Nestor Mbou: “Gabon is undergoing profound institutional transformation”
Speaking next, President of the CNLCEI Nestor Mbou placed this evaluation mission within the context of reforms driven by the highest state authorities. “This mission is of particular importance for the Gabonese Republic. It takes place in a context marked by a deep dynamics of institutional transformation carried by the highest state authorities and by the strengthening of accountability in the management of public affairs,” he declared.
The CNLCEI president recalled the orientations set by President of the Republic Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his speech to Parliament in Congress on June 15. He specifically 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 confront the root causes of dysfunctions that have long weakened public action. He also recalled another major orientation from the head of state: “From now on, our country deserves strong, credible institutions, a sanitized governance, more in line with international standards regarding respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law.” According to him, these orientations now form “the foundation of the action of public institutions engaged in preventing and fighting corruption.”
Séraphin Ondoumba calls for a truthful and cooperative exercise
As the UNODC National Focal Point, Séraphin Ondoumba welcomed the international experts, praising the spirit of cooperation characterizing this mission. “For the Gabonese Republic, this exercise is of particular importance. It reflects our country’s constant commitment to meeting the obligations arising from the United Nations Convention against Corruption and to strengthening national mechanisms for prevention, detection, and punishment of acts of corruption,” he noted.
The national focal point reminded that the work will mainly focus on preventive measures and asset recovery, two aspects he considers essential for strengthening the rule of law and protecting public resources. He also called on all mobilized administrations to ensure that this “direct dialogue” becomes “a moment of truth, progress, and renewed commitment in the service of good governance, transparency, and the general interest.”
Three days to evaluate progress and strengthen international cooperation
Beyond examining legal texts, Gabonese authorities aim to turn this mission into a genuine space for improving public policies. As Nestor Mbou emphasized, “It is not simply about evaluating a legal or institutional framework, but also about identifying good practices, recognizing achievements, measuring remaining challenges, and benefiting from concrete recommendations to accelerate 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 intends to demonstrate that fighting corruption is no longer merely a legal imperative but has become a strategic governance axis for state modernization and enhancing its appeal to investors and international partners.
