Eleven years after initial discussions, Gabon has successfully met the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) requirements for the second review cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Séraphin Ondoumba, the UNODC focal point for Gabon, highlighted this achievement during a direct dialogue session held in Libreville from June 29 to July 1, 2026. The milestone was reached through coordinated efforts led by the National Commission to Combat Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), chaired by Nestor Mbou.

Gabon is no longer merely a country under evaluation. Selected by the UNODC secretariat alongside Uruguay, Gabon now serves as a reviewing state, tasked with assessing the Seychelles on key chapters II and V of the Convention—focused on preventive measures and asset recovery. This new role underscores Gabon’s strengthened position in global anti-corruption cooperation.

Key reforms and future steps

The evaluation process is driving several transformative reforms in Gabon:

• Legislative alignment: Continuous updates to national laws before, during, and after the review to ensure strict compliance with international standards.
• Institutional collaboration: Enhanced cooperation between government bodies to streamline anti-corruption efforts.
• Capacity building: Training programs and skill development initiatives to empower officials in corruption prevention and enforcement.
• Knowledge sharing: Exchange of best practices with other nations to refine strategies.
• Technical and financial support: Identification of gaps and targeted assistance to bolster institutional resilience.

These strides reinforce Gabon’s commitment to eradicating corruption and fostering transparency, aligning with its obligations under the UN Convention.