In Libreville, Gabon, Vice-President Hermann Immongault officially inaugurated the country’s evaluation mission on Monday, June 29, 2026. This significant event marks the commencement of the direct dialogue phase within the second cycle of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) implementation review mechanism. Over four days, this crucial gathering will bring together technical experts from various Gabonese government agencies, specialists from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and international partners. Their collective objective is to meticulously assess the strides Gabon has made in its ongoing efforts to prevent and combat corruption.

Having ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on October 1, 2007, Gabon is committed to solidifying its ongoing reforms. These initiatives aim to enhance transparency, foster greater accountability in public administration, and significantly improve institutional governance across the nation.

During the opening ceremony, Vice-President Immongault underscored the pivotal role of anti-corruption measures in driving economic and social development. He articulated, “Public integrity boosts the effectiveness of government actions, safeguards investments, strengthens economic competitiveness, and establishes the foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.”

This conviction resonated strongly among all stakeholders participating in the evaluation process. Séraphin Ondoumba, who serves as the UNODC focal point and a commissioner for the National Commission Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), emphasized that this direct dialogue extends beyond mere technical discussions. Mr. Ondoumba stated, “I am confident that this direct dialogue will not only allow for a better appreciation of our nation’s efforts but also further enhance cooperation among State Parties and promote the adoption of best practices in corruption prevention and combat.”

This mission represents a crucial phase within the Convention’s second review cycle, which is specifically dedicated to assessing preventive measures and strategies for the recovery of assets derived from corruption. Mohamed Cherbal, the UNODC Mission Head, elaborated, “Throughout this week, the review team will conduct an in-depth analysis of Gabon’s anti-corruption frameworks, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Convention’s provisions concerning preventive actions and asset recovery.”

Scheduled from June 29 to July 1, 2026, this latest evaluation builds upon the foundation of the first review cycle, which commenced in 2010. During that initial phase, Gabon’s adherence to Chapters III and IV of the Convention was assessed, covering aspects such as criminalization, law enforcement, and international cooperation. That earlier process included an evaluation visit conducted by experts from Sierra Leone and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from April 21 to 23, 2015. Today, the expectations for this new dialogue are equally high. Nestor Mbou, President of the CNLCEI, views this engagement as a vital opportunity for continuous enhancement of public policies.

“The direct dialogue opening today marks a pivotal stage in the review process,” Mr. Mbou affirmed. “It’s not merely about evaluating a legal or institutional framework; it’s also about identifying effective practices, acknowledging achieved progress, understanding persistent challenges, and exploring avenues for improvement that can lead to concrete recommendations, thereby accelerating the implementation of our national strategy.”

The outcomes of this mission are expected to guide future reforms and further fortify Gabon’s national mechanisms for preventing, controlling, and recovering illicit assets. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a public administration that is more integrated, efficient, and accountable to its citizens.