🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabon's gender-based violence law faces implementation challenges, report reveals
via Gabon Review5 min read
The "Lève-toi" Women's Network REFLET presented a report on April 24, 2026, in Libreville, advocating for improved support for victims of gender-based violence GBV. Developed with legal firm Élam and supported by the European Union and the French Embassy, the report calls for more effective, accessible, and operational protection mechanisms. Despite advancements in the revised Penal Code, particularly Law 006/2021 on the "Gabon Égalité" strategy, its practical application remains insufficient. Mekina Edith Liliane, Vice-President of REFLET, emphasized the need for real coordination among public authorities, NGOs, and social services, stating that existing measures cannot yield expected results without synergy. Luca Rondi, Head of Cooperation for the European Union delegation, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to combating GBV and empowering women, viewing advocacy as crucial for policy evolution. The report highlights structural flaws including incomplete protection outside the family, lengthy and costly legal procedures, delays when security forces are involved, and weak institutional coordination. Prohibitive costs for victims, such as 25,000 to 45,000 FCFA for medical certificates and up to 40,000 FCFA for bailiff fees, deter many from pursuing legal action, according to Nelly Houtsa, a consultant at Élam. While Law 006/2021 is a significant step, its dissemination is limited, and initiatives like the Gabon Égalité Center, the hotline, and gender focal points in police statio
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Must ReadAli Akbar Onanga Y'Obégué, Secretary-General of the Gabonese Democratic Party, former minister, and doctor of law, has criticized the protocol signed at the Élysée Palace, which postpones the local processing of manganese to 2031 and reduces the target from two million to 700,000 tons annually. He attributes the situation to the President's entourage for allowing an untenable deadline and to French diplomacy for choosing a method he describes as "humiliating." Onanga Y'Obégué argues that while the presidential ambition was legitimate and the delay inevitable, the method used "honors neither party." He states that a state visit is not the appropriate setting to publicly force a partner to retract a firmly held position. The former minister believes the 2029 target for local manganese processing was never industrially realistic, citing energy deficits, Transgabonese railway saturation, and engineering delays as known issues. He questions why advisors around the President supported such an ambitious timeline without ensuring the state apparatus could meet it, emphasizing that advisors should protect the President's authority rather than encourage unrealistic commitments. Onanga Y'Obégué further asserts that France knew the 2029 deadline was impossible and would eventually secure a delay. He suggests alternative diplomatic approaches, such as a monitoring committee or negotiated postponement, would have achieved the same industrial and legal results without the negative political
Michel Djombo, the Congolese Minister of Industrial Development, visited Gabon's Nkok Special Investment Zone SIZ on July 23 to assess its maturity. This visit is part of Congo's efforts to develop two similar zones with the operator Arise IIP. Established in 2012, the Nkok SIZ is recognized as a regional model for industrial development, attracting investments, creating jobs, and facilitating skills transfer. The institutional framework of the zone, including the role of Gabon Special Economic Zone SA and the administrative authority led by Serge Samy Biveghe, was presented to the Congolese delegation. The one-stop shop, which integrates 24 state services to simplify administrative procedures and improve the business environment, particularly drew attention. Djombo noted the importance of understanding the one-stop shop's operation and the state's involvement in attracting investments. The delegation also visited industrial units specializing in wood processing, such as Tropical Forest and Chanta Group, which serve as an inspiration for Pointe-Noire. Djombo expressed satisfaction with the insights gained and the useful exchanges, highlighting the value of experience sharing between the two countries. Gaurav Aggarwal, CEO of GSEZ, emphasized that the Nkok SIZ's success is built on a strong public-private partnership, with the one-stop shop being crucial for supporting investors. The Nkok SIZ features integrated infrastructure, including a 70 MW autonomous energy supply, banki
Sébastien Migné, recently appointed head coach of Gabon's national football team, the Panthers, has set an ambitious goal: to qualify the team for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2030. Arriving in Libreville on July 23, Migné outlined his long-term vision, which extends beyond immediate sporting events. He emphasized that achieving this historic qualification will require a period of transition, focusing on stabilizing the team while preparing for the future. Migné acknowledged the need to motivate the current generation of players and integrate new talent. He stressed that the team's resurgence cannot be achieved by the technical staff alone, calling for the mobilization of all stakeholders in Gabonese football, including leaders, staff, players, and the public, to restore the Panthers' continental standing. Migné also expressed satisfaction with the anticipated appointment of Alain Giresse as the national technical director. He highlighted Giresse's extensive experience with Gabonese football, having previously coached the Panthers from 2006 to 2010, and believes this collaboration will be a significant asset in achieving their shared objective. Migné stated that this partnership of skills is crucial, as he cannot accomplish the project alone. His roadmap for the next four years involves gradually rebuilding the Panthers, enhancing their competitiveness in Africa, and creating the conditions for a historic 2030 World Cup qualification.