On Thursday, lawmakers in Gabon convened to begin discussions on a proposed new constitution, marking the first step toward a return to civilian rule, as promised by the military junta following the 2023 coup.
The coup ended 55 years of rule by the family of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The proposed constitution includes significant changes, such as abolishing the position of prime minister and introducing a seven-year presidential term, renewable once.
One notable proposal is that candidates for the presidency must be the children of Gabonese-born parents, a stipulation that has not been denied by authorities. The document also reportedly defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, introduces compulsory military service, and reaffirms French as Gabon’s official language.
A presidential decree published on Wednesday set the period from September 12 to 22 for lawmakers to review the proposed text and form a “reasoned opinion.” The constitution is based on over a thousand proposals gathered during a national dialogue held in April.
This constitutional revision is part of the two-year transition plan presented by General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the junta, who has expressed his intention to run in and win the presidential election scheduled for August 2025.
The military junta, known as the “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions” (CTRI), seized power on August 30, 2023, shortly after the official announcement of Bongo’s election to a third term. The junta dissolved Gabon’s institutions and appointed 98 deputies and 70 senators to form a transitional parliament.
During the current debates, lawmakers are expected to propose amendments to the new constitution. These will be compiled in a report for further review by the CTRI and the government before being presented for cabinet approval. A referendum on the new constitution is planned for later this year.