馃嚞馃嚘GabonCentral Africa
Gabon to reform legal framework for religious associations
via Gabon Review2 min read
Gabon's Ministry of Interior, Security, and Decentralization will initiate a reform of the legal framework governing religious organizations. Minister Adrien Nguema Mba announced on July 18 that an information meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Libreville, to develop a preliminary draft law concerning religious associations. This meeting marks the official launch of consultations with key stakeholders in the sector, aiming to provide the country with a text that better organizes the functioning of religious structures and adapts their legal framework to current realities. The initiative reflects the Gabonese authorities' desire to structure a growing sector while strengthening dialogue with relevant actors. The working session, scheduled for 10 AM at the Ministry of Economy's auditorium, will bring together leaders of religious denominations, federations, confederations, independent churches, religious associations, and legally recognized traditional chiefdoms. Each organization is requested to be represented by two duly mandated individuals. The authorities intend to open a dialogue with representatives of religious organizations before finalizing the text, with the objective of gathering their observations and fostering a common understanding of the proposed orientations for this bill. The ministry emphasized the importance of this meeting for the success of the process, stating that "given the importance of the items on the agenda, everyone's presence is hi
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