Gabon
As of early 2026, Gabon is in a state of cautious transition following the 2023 military coup that ended the 56-year Bongo family dynasty. While the transitional government, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, has made some improvements in civil liberties, significant human rights challenges remain.
The situation is characterized by a "repackaged" military rule where constitutional changes have arguably consolidated power in the executive.
1. Political Rights and Democratic Transition
The most pressing issue is the consolidation of military power under the guise of a return to civilian rule.
2025 Elections: General Oligui Nguema won the April 2025 presidential election with over 90% of the vote. While the process was generally peaceful, observers noted the military's heavy influence and the lack of a truly level playing field.
Constitutional Changes: A new constitution approved in late 2024 removed the position of Prime Minister and extended presidential terms to seven years. Critics argue this eliminates vital checks and balances.
Political Exclusion: While some political prisoners were released post-coup, the transitional process effectively sidelined many opposition figures through "scripted" national dialogues and restrictive eligibility laws.
2. Civil Liberties and Freedom of Expression
The climate for free speech has seen a "modest thaw" but remains fragile.
Self-Censorship: Although the aggressive media crackdowns of the Bongo era have decreased, journalists still report self-censoring to avoid "harming the image of the head of state." In one notable case, a minor was arrested for a social media video deemed disrespectful to the General.
Surveillance: Reports persist of transitional authorities using threats and "intimidation calls" against individuals and their families who publicly criticize the government.
Freedom of Assembly: Protest rights remain restricted. Permits for demonstrations are frequently denied, and security forces have historically used tear gas to disperse unauthorized gatherings.
3. Judicial Issues and Detention
The Gabonese justice system continues to struggle with inefficiency and harsh conditions.
Pretrial Detention: Approximately two-thirds of Gabon’s prison population is held in pretrial detention, which can last up to three years.
Prison Conditions: Facilities are plagued by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to medical care. Reports of torture and degrading treatment by security forces, particularly in military-run detention centers, continue to surface.
Selective Accountability: While high-profile members of the Bongo family (like Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo) were prosecuted for corruption, critics note that many other corrupt officials from the old regime were co-opted into the new government instead of being investigated.
4. Vulnerable Groups and Labor Rights
Human Trafficking: Gabon remains a destination and transit country for forced labor and sex trafficking. While the country was recently upgraded to "Tier 2" (making significant efforts), victim identification remains low, and the labor code is poorly enforced in the timber and mining sectors.
Migrant Rights: Non-citizen workers, particularly from neighboring African countries, often face discrimination, lower wages, and physical mistreatment with little legal recourse.
Gender Equality: Despite some gains in parliamentary representation, women still face legal and de facto inequality, and sexual harassment remains widespread.