Libreville hosts the second-cycle evaluation mission of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) since June 29. Over three days, international experts, Gabonese authorities, and national institutions examine anti-corruption prevention mechanisms and asset recovery systems. Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, CNLCEI President Nestor Mbou, and UNODC national focal point Séraphin Ondoumba consider this assessment a key step in consolidating governance under the Fifth Republic.
Gabon is embarking on a new international exercise to measure progress in fighting corruption. The evaluation mission, which opened on June 29 in Libreville, brings together representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), experts from Chad and Libya, and all relevant administrations.
Presiding over the opening ceremony, Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault stated that “the quality of governance has become one of the primary determinants of development, institutional stability, and citizen confidence,” 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 started since the advent of the Fifth Republic. “Since the Fifth Republic came into being, Gabon has undertaken a profound overhaul of its public action. This transformation rests on a simple but fundamental requirement: sustainably restore trust between the state and citizens by consolidating institutions that are more transparent, more accountable, and more results-oriented,” he declared.
The vice-president of the government recalled that corruption is not only a threat to public finances. “It weakens institutions, erodes the trust contract between citizens and the state, discourages investment, slows growth, and fuels inequalities,” 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 stressed.
Nestor Mbou: “Gabon is undergoing deep institutional transformation”
Taking the floor in turn, President of the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI) Nestor Mbou placed this evaluation mission in the context of reforms initiated by the highest state authorities. “This mission holds particular importance for the Gabonese Republic. It comes at a time marked by a deep dynamic of institutional transformation driven by the highest state authorities and a strengthening of accountability in the management of public affairs,” he stated.
The CNLCEI president recalled the guidelines set by the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, during his speech before Parliament convened in Congress on June 15. He notably quoted the head of state: “Before the liberation coup of August 30, 2023, endemic corruption, clientelism, and poor governance elevated to a principle coexisted with a high level of poverty.”
For Nestor Mbou, this presidential declaration reflects a clear political will to tackle the root causes of dysfunctions that have long weakened public action. He also recalled another major guideline from the head of state: “From now on, our country deserves strong, credible institutions, sanitized governance, more in line with international standards regarding human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law.” According to him, these guidelines now form “the foundation of the action of public institutions involved in preventing and combating corruption.”
Séraphin Ondoumba calls for an exercise of truth and cooperation
As UNODC national focal point, Séraphin Ondoumba welcomed the international experts, praising the spirit of cooperation that characterizes this mission. “For the Gabonese Republic, this exercise is of particular importance. It reflects our country’s ongoing commitment to comply with obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and to strengthen national mechanisms for preventing, detecting, and punishing acts of corruption,” he indicated.
The focal point recalled 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” constitutes “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 strengthen international cooperation
Beyond examining texts, Gabonese authorities want to make this mission a true space for improving public policies. As Nestor Mbou emphasized, “it is not simply a matter of evaluating a legal or institutional framework, but also of identifying good practices, recognizing progress made, measuring remaining challenges, and benefiting from concrete recommendations to accelerate the implementation of our strategy.”
Over three days, international experts will exchange with administrations, 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 solely a legal imperative but has become a strategic axis for governance, state modernization, and strengthening its attractiveness to investors and international partners.
