Gabon’s Transitional President Receives Draft of New Constitution Amid Uncertainty

A draft version of Gabon’s future constitution was presented to transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema in an official ceremony at the presidential palace. This development comes a year after the military ousted President Ali Bongo, ending over 50 years of rule by the Bongo family.

A referendum on the new constitution is scheduled to take place before the end of the year, but there is little public awareness about the document’s content.

Key Changes in the Draft Constitution

During the handover, the Minister of Institutional Reform summarized several key changes in the draft constitution. Notably, it proposes the abolition of the prime minister's position and a seven-year presidential term, which can be renewed once. The draft further stipulates that any attempt by a president to amend these provisions would be considered high treason.

The draft also gives the president the authority to dissolve parliament but provides a counterbalance by allowing members of parliament and senators to impeach the president for high treason.

Additional stipulations include a requirement that presidential candidates must have parents who were born Gabonese, and it recognizes the soldiers who ousted the Bongo regime as "Heroes," granting them protection under an amnesty law. The draft also enshrines marriage as a union between two people of opposite sexes.

Path Forward and Challenges Ahead

While there are still many challenges, the military government has pledged to hold elections in August 2025. Meanwhile, the proposed constitutional changes and the promise of new elections have sparked varied reactions among Gabonese citizens.

The coup that deposed Ali Bongo last year was met with scenes of jubilation on the streets, particularly among young people demanding better living conditions and a fairer distribution of the country's wealth. Despite having one of the highest per capita incomes in sub-Saharan Africa, according to World Bank data, a third of Gabon’s 2.3 million people live below the poverty line.

As Gabon moves towards a referendum, the new constitution could shape the future of governance and socio-economic reform in the country. However, with limited information available to the public, uncertainty remains about the proposed changes and their potential impact.