Title: A new era begins in Gabon: Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo leaves the presidency of the Constitutional Court
Introduction :
In Gabon, a presidential decree has just ended the reign of Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo at the head of the Constitutional Court, after thirty-two years of service. This announcement marks a new era for the country, with the establishment of a new Court composed of nine supreme judges. In this article, we will return to the controversial career of Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo and analyze the consequences of her departure on the Gabonese judicial system.
Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo’s journey:
Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo was appointed president of the Constitutional Court of Gabon upon its creation in 1991. This controversial magistrate, known to be close to the Bongo family, has often been criticized for her partialism towards the power in place. Her proximity to former President Omar Bongo, with whom she had two children, fueled accusations of influence and lack of independence of the Constitutional Court.
The controversies:
The Constitutional Court headed by Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo has been regularly accused of validating contested elections and of favoring the maintenance in power of Ali Bongo, successor to Omar Bongo. The 2009 and 2016 elections were notably marred by doubts about their legitimacy, but the Court systematically validated the results, reinforcing the image of a biased institution. Despite some gestures of independence, such as the acceptance of the vote recount in 2009 or the annulment of Ali Bongo’s orders in 2015, the credibility of the Constitutional Court has been seriously questioned.
The new era:
With the departure of Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo, a new era begins for the Gabonese judicial system. The establishment of a new Constitutional Court composed of nine supreme judges portends significant changes. However, concerns persist about the criteria for appointing judges and the absence of constitutional law specialists among them. Furthermore, the fact that all appointments were made by General Oligui Nguema, president of the transition, raises questions about the independence of the new Court.
Conclusion :
The departure of Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo from the presidency of the Constitutional Court of Gabon marks the end of a controversial period for the Gabonese judicial system. As the country looks towards a new era with a new Constitutional Court, it is essential to ensure the independence and impartiality of this key institution. The appointment of judges and transparency in the selection criteria will be key elements in restoring the confidence of the Gabonese people in the judicial system.