Gabon's Council of Ministers approves major reforms in energy, constitutional justice, and public service
via Gabon Review3 min read
Gabon's Council of Ministers, meeting on Thursday, June 25, at the Presidential Palace, deliberated on approximately twenty texts concerning energy, constitutional justice, high-level public service, and economic diplomacy. The President emphasized the "sacredness" of Council decisions, requiring thorough preparation of dossiers and prohibiting dissent from government members. He also called for stronger impact studies for proposed texts and earlier, more loyal collaboration with Parliament to prevent legislative blockages. Key reforms include the unbundling of the Société d'énergie et d'eau du Gabon SEEG into "La Gabonaise des Eaux" and "Électricité du Gabon," both mixed-economy companies. A new organic law will establish the organization of the Constitutional Court with nine judges appointed for eight-year terms. The President is also authorized to legislate by ordinance during parliamentary intersessions in urgent cases. Additionally, two laws will regulate access to senior state positions and sovereign functions, aiming to address "irregularities and discretionary practices" in appointments. In diplomacy, the Council authorized the ratification of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates, establishing a free trade zone, and an agreement on the execution of sentences with Cuba. The President also issued a directive to promote intra-African trade. Efforts to combat the high cost of living include the validation of the High Council for Inv
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Owendo Container Terminal OCT has acquired three new Rubber Tyred Gantry RTG cranes, arriving from Vietnam on May 28, 2026. These latest-generation Konecranes gantry cranes will modernize the Owendo terminal by improving container handling and storage. The addition of these cranes increases OCT's total number of RTG cranes from nine to twelve, aiming to boost capacity, optimize space utilization, and reduce processing times and waiting periods. Sandrine Wamy, OCT's general director, stated that this investment marks a significant step in the terminal's modernization, enhancing its ability to process volumes and improve service quality for clients. This strategic investment reinforces OCT's role in Gabon's logistics chain and its contribution to the country's port infrastructure development. OCT, the operator of the container terminal at the Port of Owendo, employs over 300 Gabonese citizens and supports nearly a thousand indirect jobs through subcontracting. The company also engages in community initiatives in education and environment.
The Louise Foundation for Health and Education, in partnership with the Libreville Diagnostic Center, the National Blood Transfusion Center, and the Gabonese Society of Hematology, organized a conference and awareness event on June 25, 2026, in Libreville. The event aimed to break the silence surrounding sickle cell disease, promote screening, and improve patient care. Doctors, health professionals, policymakers, families, and partners gathered to discuss the genetic illness, which, despite its impact on many Gabonese families, remains insufficiently understood. Loyce Olympio Fanguinoveny, Director General of the Libreville Diagnostic Center, emphasized the need to popularize knowledge about sickle cell disease and encourage better understanding. He stated that parents and families must be aware that the disease is real and prepare their children to avoid stigmatization. Professor Délicat épouse Loembet Lucrèce, a research-teacher, highlighted the importance of continuous medical support after diagnosis, including regular medical and psychological follow-up and adapted treatment to improve life expectancy. She also stressed the need to inform schools to protect affected children from mockery and discrimination. Vanessa Adande, President of the Louise Foundation for Health and Education, delivered two key messages. First, she called for an end to taboos surrounding sickle cell disease, advocating for open discussions everywhere. Second, she underscored the importance of awaren
Gabon's Council of Ministers adopted a bill on June 25 to ratify an agreement with Cuba concerning the execution of penal sentences. Signed on September 27, 2025, in Havana, this agreement aims to allow convicted individuals to be transferred to their home country to serve their sentences. This initiative is intended to strengthen judicial cooperation between Gabon and Cuba and facilitate the social reintegration of detainees. The agreement will enable Gabonese citizens convicted in Cuba to serve their sentences in Gabon, and similarly, Cuban nationals convicted in Gabon could be transferred to Cuba. The Gabonese government highlights the human and social benefits, noting that it will allow Gabonese citizens to serve their sentences in a national environment, free from linguistic or cultural barriers, and close to their families. This measure is expected to facilitate social reintegration and help prevent recidivism. The executive views this agreement as an additional mechanism to protect Gabonese nationals convicted abroad, ensuring their dignity and fundamental rights are respected under appropriate conditions for sentence execution. The bill will now proceed to Parliament for examination and ratification.