Bilie-By-Nze's defense challenges judicial process ahead of Oligui Nguema's visit to France
via Gabon Review6 min read
Three months after the incarceration of former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, his legal team, led by Me Thierry Nguia, has criticized the Gabonese justice system. On July 15, 2026, in Libreville, Nguia stated that the legal proceedings against Bilie-By-Nze, who is also the president of the opposition party Ensemble pour le Gabon EPG, are marred by serious irregularities. The defense claims that the alleged offenses are prescribed by more than fifteen years and lack the characteristics of a criminal offense. They also argue that the removal of the investigating judge, while appeals against the detention order and refusal of provisional release were pending, undermines the rights of the defense. Me Nguia highlighted that the magistrate's assertion of not possessing the original or a copy of the case file hinders effective legal recourse and paralyzes the judicial inquiry, especially with the case before the Court of Cassation. The defense views the case as politically motivated, suggesting that Bilie-By-Nze's public stances on national issues led to his arrest by hooded agents of the Direction générale des recherches DGR without prior summons. Ahead of President Oligui Nguema's official visit to France, the defense emphasized the importance of the rule of law, appealing to Gabonese authorities and judicial actors to ensure strict adherence to the Constitution, the Human Rights Charter, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They stressed that e
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
Gabon will be the guest of honor at the 9th International Meeting of Books and Associated Arts MILA, scheduled from July 23 to 25, 2026, at the Hortense Aka-Anghui Municipal Library in Port-Bouët, Côte d'Ivoire. The announcement was made during a launch press conference on July 3. The event, themed "Resurrecting the future, visualizing the past," aims to strengthen the role of books as a vehicle for development, education, and knowledge transmission. MILA General Commissioner Yve Kouakou emphasized the event's goal to bring literature closer to people while promoting African cultural richness, stating that books should be accessible to all and serve as a tool for social transformation. The selection of Gabon recognizes the dynamism of its literary and cultural scene. The Gabonese delegation will include Hermine Mbana, a guest writer, and L'Orchidée Moulengui, a literary blogger and MILA ambassador in Gabon since her appointment in 2025. Hermine Mbana expressed that this invitation is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. Ivorian writer Anzata Ouattara will also be honored. Delegations from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Guinea, France, Chad, Benin, Cameroon, and other countries will participate. The three-day event will feature exhibitions, literary cafes, panels, professional meetings, award ceremonies, and tourist activities to foster exchanges among writers, publishers, academics, artists, and book enthusiasts.
Starting July 16, 2026, Gabon's Ministry of Mines will conduct a mandatory review of administrative, technical, and financial records for companies holding mining titles in the gold sector. This initiative, announced on July 14, 2026, aims to enhance compliance and streamline mining operations in Gabon, particularly for small-scale mining. Minister Sosthène Nguema Nguema stated that the operation seeks to verify the conformity of mining titles and regularize the legal and fiscal status of operators. The review will take place over two days at the 2 Décembre Building in Libreville. Holders of exploitation permits will be audited first on July 16, followed by research permit holders, and then companies undergoing renewal or appeal processes. Each operator must submit a complete dossier in three copies, including legal documents, technical reports, work programs, environmental compliance certificates, and proof of mining royalty payments. The ministry's objective is to identify compliant companies for effective redeployment across the national territory. The presence of each company's head or a notarized proxy is strongly recommended. Unjustified absence or submission of a non-compliant dossier may lead to the suspension of the mining title and prohibition from accessing research and exploitation perimeters.
The National Commission for Public Interest Works for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Employment CNTIPPEE is organizing a workshop on July 16 and 17, 2026, in Libreville, to help Gabonese small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs access markets funded by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IBRD. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of these businesses in preparing tender documents, addressing technical and administrative obstacles they often face. Many Gabonese SMEs have reported difficulties with the complex procedures for accessing markets financed by international donors. This workshop, held at the Libreville Chamber of Commerce, will focus on preparing tender documents in accordance with World Bank requirements. It seeks to enhance the technical and operational capabilities of Gabonese SMEs in compiling and submitting tender applications. The training is designed to reduce barriers to international market access, particularly for local companies in the construction and public works sectors, which often struggle to meet the criteria of international financial institutions. By improving understanding of procurement mechanisms and application quality, CNTIPPEE intends to increase the participation and competitiveness of Gabonese businesses in World Bank-supported projects. The workshop will gather business leaders and technical, administrative, and financial managers from legally constituted SMEs interested in IBRD-funded opportunities. Pa