Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, has just concluded a mission to Gabon at the invitation of the President of the Transitional National Assembly, Jean-François Ndongou, to meet the authorities in charge of the country’s transition.
The visit is part of the IPU’s wider efforts to monitor developments in trouble spots, to defend democratic institutions and to support efforts for a return to constitutional order, as mandated by the IPU’s governing bodies.
On behalf of the global parliamentary community, Mr. Chungong reiterated IPU support for reforms to the country’s institutions being carried out by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions.
He also offered the IPU’s expertise in drafting the new constitution and electoral code to ensure that future institutions are inclusive and representative of all of Gabon’s constituent parts.
As well as the President of the Transitional National Assembly, Mr. Chungong met the President of the Transition and Head of State, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, with whom he held in-depth discussions on the steps underway to return to constitutional rule. The Secretary General also held working sessions with the President of the Transitional Senate, Paulette Missambo, the Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, the President of the Constitutional Court of the Transition, Dieudonné Aba’a Owono, the President of the Economic, Social and Environment Council of the Transition, Séraphin Moundounga, and the Minister of the Reform of Institutions, Murielle Minkoue Mezui Mintsa-Mi-Owono.
He also met the Archbishop of Libreville, Jean-Patrick Iba-Ba, who will chair the National Inclusive Dialogue in April 2024.
The Secretary General also visited and held talks with former President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
In August 2023, the military took power in Gabon, contesting election results that would have seen Ali Bongo remain in office. President Bongo was first elected in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled the country for 41 years.
The visit follows the Secretary General’s missions in 2023 to Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso, all currently under military rule, to meet with the authorities and MPs to support efforts in the countries’ respective transition processes.
