In Libreville, Vice-President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, inaugurated the country evaluation mission on Monday, June 29, 2026. This initiative marks the direct dialogue phase of the second review cycle for the implementation mechanism of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Over four days, this significant gathering will bring together 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 Gabon’s progress in both preventing and combating corruption.
Having been a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption since October 1, 2007, Gabon is committed to solidifying the reforms it has undertaken. These efforts aim to enhance transparency, foster accountability in public administration, and improve institutional governance across the nation.
During the official opening of the proceedings, Vice-President Hermann Immongault underscored the critical role that fighting corruption plays as a fundamental driver for economic and social advancement.
He stated, “Public integrity enhances the effectiveness of governmental actions, safeguards investments, bolsters economic competitiveness, and establishes the groundwork for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.”
This conviction resonated widely among all stakeholders participating in the evaluation process. Séraphin Ondoumba, who serves as the UNODC focal point and a commissioner with the National Commission Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), emphasized that this dialogue extends beyond mere technical considerations.
Mr. Ondoumba expressed his firm belief, saying, “I am convinced that this direct dialogue will not only allow for a better appreciation of the efforts undertaken by our nation but will also further strengthen cooperation among State Parties and champion best practices in preventing and combating corruption.”
This mission represents a crucial phase within the Convention’s second review cycle, which is primarily focused on preventative measures and the recovery of assets acquired through corrupt practices.
Mohamed Cherbal, the UNODC Head of Mission, indicated that “throughout this week, the review team will delve deeper into its analysis of Gabon’s anti-corruption frameworks, with a particular emphasis on how the Convention’s provisions concerning preventive measures and asset recovery are being implemented.”
The current evaluation is scheduled from June 29 to July 1, 2026, building upon the initial review cycle launched in 2010. During that earlier phase, Gabon’s adherence to Chapters III and IV of the Convention was assessed, focusing on criminalization, law enforcement, and international cooperation, respectively. That process notably included an evaluation visit conducted from April 21 to 23, 2015, by experts from Sierra Leone and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Today, the expectations for this review are equally significant. Nestor Mbou, President of the CNLCEI, views this dialogue as a vital opportunity for the continuous enhancement of public policies.
He asserted, “The direct dialogue commencing today is a crucial step in the review process. It’s not merely about evaluating a legal or institutional framework; it also involves identifying best practices, acknowledging achievements, gauging remaining challenges, and exploring avenues for improvement that could lead to concrete recommendations, thereby accelerating the implementation of our strategy.”
It is anticipated that the findings from this mission will guide future reforms and further strengthen national mechanisms for preventing, monitoring, and recovering illicit assets. The ultimate goal is to foster a public administration that is more integrated, efficient, and accountable to its citizens.
