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The Central African country of Gabon recently witnessed a historic turning point with the delivery of a draft of its future constitution to transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema during an official ceremony at the presidential palace. This crucial step comes one year after the military overthrew President Ali Bongo, ending more than 50 years of rule by the Bongo family.
The content of this new constitution, which is expected to be the subject of a referendum by the end of the year, has raised many questions among the Gabonese population, who are largely waiting for detailed information on the subject.
Among the main changes announced by the Minister of Institutional Reform when the document was delivered were the abolition of the post of Prime Minister and the institution of a seven-year presidential term, renewable once. The text also stipulates that any president attempting to change these provisions will be found guilty of high treason.
It is now possible for the president to dissolve parliament, but he remains liable to impeachment by members of the National Assembly and the Senate in the event of high treason. In addition, the draft constitution requires that a presidential candidate have parents born in Gabon.
In addition, the military who overthrew the Bongo regime are elevated to the rank of “Heroes” and will benefit from an amnesty law. The text also enshrines marriage as a union between two people of the opposite sex.
Despite these significant changes, many challenges still await Gabon, with the military government promising to hold elections in August 2025.
Last year, after the coup, scenes of jubilation played out on the streets of Gabon, with young people demanding better living conditions and a more equitable distribution of national wealth.
Although World Bank data places Gabon’s per capita income among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa in 2021, a third of the country’s population, or 2.3 million people, live below the poverty line.
Gabon is at a pivotal moment in its history, with the development of a new constitution that could shape the country’s political and social future for years to come. Expectations are high, and the population is keeping a close eye on upcoming developments.