Since June 29, Libreville has been hosting the second-cycle evaluation mission of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) implementation review mechanism. For three days, international experts, Gabonese authorities and national institutions examine anti-corruption prevention measures and asset recovery. Government Vice-President Hermann Immongault, CNLCEI President Nestor Mbou and UNODC National Focal Point Séraphin Ondoumba consider this evaluation a major step in consolidating governance under the Fifth Republic.

Gabon is taking part in a new international exercise to gauge progress in the fight against corruption. The evaluation mission, launched on June 29 in Libreville, assembles representatives from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), experts from Chad and Libya, and all relevant government institutions.

Hermann Immongault, who presided over the opening ceremony, stated that “governance quality 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 has become 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: sustainably restore trust between the state and citizens by consolidating more transparent, more accountable institutions more focused on results,” he declared.

The vice-president of the government recalled that corruption is not only a risk to public finances. “It weakens institutions, undermines the social contract between citizens and the state, discourages investment, slows growth and fuels inequalities,” he stressed. 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 noted.

Nestor Mbou: “Gabon is undergoing deep institutional transformation”

Speaking next, the president of the National Commission to Combat Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), Nestor Mbou, placed this evaluation mission in the context of reforms driven by the highest state authorities. “This mission is of particular importance for the Gabonese Republic. It takes place against a backdrop of deep institutional transformation carried by the highest state authorities and a strengthening of accountability in the management of public affairs,” he said.

Mbou recalled the directions set by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his address to Parliament 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 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 of the head of state: “Now, our country deserves strong, credible institutions, a cleaned-up governance more in line with international standards in human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law.” According to him, these orientations now form “the foundation of action for public institutions engaged in preventing and fighting corruption.”

Séraphin Ondoumba calls for an exercise of truth and cooperation

As national focal point for UNODC, Séraphin Ondoumba welcomed the international experts, praising the cooperative spirit of the mission. “For the Gabonese Republic, this exercise is particularly important. It reflects our country’s constant commitment to meeting obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and strengthening national mechanisms for preventing, detecting and repressing acts of corruption,” he indicated.

Ondoumba reminded that the work will focus primarily on preventive measures and asset recovery, two areas 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 evaluate progress and strengthen international cooperation

Beyond examining legal texts, Gabonese authorities want this mission to be a genuine space for improving public policies. As Nestor Mbou stressed, “It is not simply about evaluating a legal or institutional framework, but also about 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 just a legal imperative but has become a strategic axis of governance, state modernization and enhancing its attractiveness to investors and international partners.