Gabon has taken a decisive step forward in its fight against corruption by launching the direct dialogue of the second review cycle of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Libreville on June 29, 2026. The four-day technical meeting brings together government officials, UNODC experts, and international partners to assess the country’s progress in strengthening transparency and accountability.
As a signatory to the UNCAC since October 1, 2007, Gabon has been actively implementing reforms to enhance public governance, prevent corruption, and recover illicit assets. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to foster economic growth, secure investments, and improve institutional efficiency.
Hermann Immongault, Vice-President of the Gabonese Government, emphasized the pivotal role of integrity in public administration during the opening ceremony. He noted that transparent governance not only drives economic performance but also fosters sustainable development and social equity.
« Public integrity is the cornerstone of effective governance. It safeguards investments, boosts economic competitiveness, and paves the way for a fairer, more inclusive society », he stated.
Séraphin Ondoumba, UNODC focal point and member of Gabon’s National Commission to Combat Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), highlighted the significance of this dialogue beyond its technical scope.
« This direct dialogue is an opportunity to not only evaluate our national efforts but also to strengthen regional cooperation and adopt best practices in corruption prevention and asset recovery », he explained.
The current review cycle focuses on preventive measures and the recovery of illicit funds, marking a shift from the first cycle, which assessed criminalization and international cooperation. During the 2010-2015 review, Gabon was evaluated on chapters III and IV of the UNCAC, addressing legal enforcement and cross-border collaboration.
Nestor Mbou, President of the CNLCEI, framed the dialogue as a catalyst for continuous improvement in governance.
« This process goes beyond compliance checks. It’s about identifying strengths, addressing gaps, and crafting actionable recommendations to refine our anti-corruption strategies », he remarked.
The mission, led by UNODC’s Chief of Mission Mohamed Cherbal, will delve into Gabon’s anti-corruption frameworks, with a focus on preventive mechanisms and asset recovery. The findings will shape future reforms, reinforcing national systems to ensure greater accountability and citizen trust.
