Gabon is hosting the second-cycle evaluation mission of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Libreville since June 29. Over three days, international experts, Gabonese authorities and national institutions are examining anti-corruption prevention measures and asset recovery mechanisms. For Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, CNLCEI President Nestor Mbou and UNODC National Focal Point Séraphin Ondoumba, this assessment marks a major step in consolidating governance under the Fifth Republic.
Gabon is undertaking a new international exercise to measure progress in the fight against corruption. Launched on June 29 in Libreville, the second-cycle evaluation mission of the UNCAC brings together representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), experts from Chad and Libya, and all relevant administrative bodies.
Opening the ceremony, Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault stated that “governance quality has become one of the primary determinants of development, institutional stability and citizen trust,” making this evaluation a strategic milestone for Gabon’s international credibility.
Anti-corruption efforts at the heart of Fifth Republic reforms
For Hermann Immongault, the fight against corruption is now a cornerstone of the transformation launched since the advent of the Fifth Republic. “Since the Fifth Republic came into being, Gabon has undertaken a profound reform of its public action. This transformation rests on a simple yet fundamental requirement: sustainably restoring trust between the state and its citizens by strengthening more transparent, accountable and results-oriented institutions,” he declared.
The vice-president of the government recalled that corruption is not merely a risk to public finances. “It weakens institutions, erodes the social 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 no longer just a democratic ideal; it has become a strategic advantage for nations aspiring to sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he emphasized.
Nestor Mbou: “Gabon is undergoing deep institutional transformation”
Speaking next, the 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 driven by the highest state authorities. “This mission holds particular importance for the Gabonese Republic. It comes at a time marked by a profound dynamic of institutional transformation led by the highest state authorities and the strengthening of accountability in public affairs management,” he said.
The CNLCEI president recalled the directives set by the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, during his address to Parliament in Congress on June 15. He cited 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 dysfunctions that have long weakened public action. He also recalled another major directive from the head of state: “From now on, our country deserves strong, credible institutions, sound governance, more in line with international standards on human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law.” According to him, these guidelines now form “the foundation of the work of public institutions engaged in preventing and fighting corruption.”
Séraphin Ondoumba calls for an exercise of truth and cooperation
As the national focal point for the UNODC, Séraphin Ondoumba welcomed the international experts, praising the spirit of cooperation characterizing this mission. “For the Gabonese Republic, this exercise is particularly important. It reflects our country’s constant commitment to uphold obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and to strengthen national mechanisms for preventing, detecting and repressing acts of corruption,” he noted.
The focal point recalled that the work will focus mainly 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 make this “direct dialogue” a “moment of truth, progress and renewed commitment in service of good governance, transparency and the general interest.”
Three days to assess progress and strengthen international cooperation
Beyond reviewing 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, acknowledging progress achieved, 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 intends to demonstrate that fighting corruption is no longer merely a legal imperative but has become a strategic axis of governance, state modernization and strengthening its appeal to investors and international partners.
