From June 29 to July 1, 2026, Gabon will welcome an international evaluation mission in Libreville as part of the second review cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). This strategic visit allows UN experts, along with delegates from Chad and Libya, to assess Gabon’s progress in preventing corruption and recovering illicit assets.

After years of institutional reforms and strengthened public oversight mechanisms, Gabon is taking a significant step forward in its anti-corruption commitment. The National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI) has confirmed the so-called “country visit” phase of the UNCAC implementation review’s second cycle, scheduled from June 29 to July 1, 2026, in Libreville.

This international mission brings together experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Republic of Chad, and the State of Libya. These countries have been designated to evaluate how Gabon puts into practice the convention’s provisions on preventive measures and asset recovery.

Strategic stakes of the international evaluation

Gabon has been a party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption since October 1, 2007, and actively participates in the review mechanism set up by member states to track progress against corruption. The first cycle focused on criminalization of offences and international cooperation. The second cycle tackles two sensitive areas: corruption prevention and recovery of assets derived from illicit activities.

Sessions at the Hôtel Boulevard in Libreville will allow international examiners to scrutinise national systems related to public management transparency, public procurement, asset declarations, civil society involvement, anti-money laundering efforts, and mechanisms for seizing and returning stolen assets.

Multiple institutions mobilised

All relevant administrations will contribute to this evaluation. Ministries, Parliament, the Court of Auditors, the State General Inspectorate, ANIF, Customs, ARMP, judicial authorities, security forces, employer organisations, and civil society representatives will take part in the working sessions.

National coordination of the process is led by the CNLCEI through its focal point with UNODC, Séraphin Ondoumba, a commissioner and member of the institution. According to the Commission, this mission is an opportunity to highlight Gabon’s achievements while identifying areas that need further improvement to strengthen governance and transparency mechanisms.

A test for governance under the Fifth Republic

Beyond its technical nature, this evaluation arrives at a time when good governance, public financial transparency, and the fight against illicit enrichment are at the centre of citizens’ expectations. The conclusions drawn from this review could serve as a roadmap for future institutional and administrative reforms. They will also enable Gabon to benefit from enhanced technical support and experience-sharing with other states party to the convention.

Through this step, Libreville aims to demonstrate its determination to consolidate accountability, transparency, and rigorous management of public resources — requirements that are now essential to strengthen trust among citizens, international partners, and investors.