Gabon - November 2024

Gabon passed a key milestone in its democratic transition on 16 November as voters approved a new constitution in a referendum, over a year after a coup d'état ended the 55-year rule of the Bongo family. According to the Constitutional Court, which validated the result on 29 November, the constitution was approved by 91.6 per cent of voters, with a turnout of 54.2 per cent. Among other changes, the new constitution abolishes the role of prime minister, prohibits dynastic succession and introduces a seven-year presidential term that may only be renewed once. The latter is one of several unamendable ‘eternity’ clauses. Such clauses also include an amnesty granted to those who took part in the 2023 coup and the definition of marriage, which is restricted to two people of the opposite sex. The constitution does not prevent Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, from contesting the presidential election that is due to take place in August 2025.        

Sources: Gabon Constitution, Voice of America, Jeune Afrique, The Conversation