On October 6, 2026, Gabon's Justice Minister, Augustin Emane, visited the Court of Accounts in Libreville to assess the working conditions of magistrates and staff. The visit came just a day after the solemn opening of the courts and tribunals. Emane was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Chancellery, Jacques Lebama, and was received by the First President of the Court of Accounts, Pamphile Moussavou Ibouanga.
During the visit, Emane toured the main workspaces of the Court, including the offices of senior magistrates, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and the documentation and archives service. The delegation also visited the central financial affairs department and the surroundings of the main building. The visit highlighted several challenges facing the Court, including issues with electrification, watertightness, and humidity, which could complicate the working conditions of magistrates and staff.
The visit also revealed difficulties related to the immediate environment of the Court of Accounts. A certain level of promiscuity was observed near the Court, due to the presence of operators in the woodworking sector, who specialize in the manufacture and valorization of flammable products. This proximity poses a fire risk, particularly during general assemblies. Additionally, the presence of an industrial sawmill generates noise pollution, which can disrupt the concentration of agents during their working hours.
Emane's visit is part of the Justice Ministry's efforts to better understand the working conditions of magistrates and judicial staff. The goal is to identify measures that can contribute to improving their professional environment. By engaging with the Court's hierarchy and staff, the Minister aims to gather insights into the challenges faced by the Court and explore solutions to address them.
The Court of Accounts is a key institution in Gabon's financial order, responsible for auditing and overseeing the country's finances. The working conditions of its magistrates and staff are crucial to ensuring the effective functioning of the institution. Emane's visit demonstrates the government's commitment to improving the working conditions of judicial staff and enhancing the overall efficiency of the justice system.
The Justice Minister's visit to the Court of Accounts is part of a broader effort to engage with various stakeholders in the justice sector. By visiting different institutions and meeting with staff, Emane aims to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the sector and develop strategies to address them. This approach is expected to contribute to the improvement of the overall justice system in Gabon.
The outcome of Emane's visit is expected to inform policy decisions and guide future investments in the justice sector. The government has not specified what measures will be taken to address the challenges identified during the visit, but it is clear that the Justice Ministry is committed to improving the working conditions of magistrates and staff. The Court of Accounts is expected to play a critical role in ensuring the effective functioning of Gabon's financial system.
Key points
- The visit highlighted issues with electrification, watertightness, and humidity in the Court's workspaces.
- The presence of operators in the woodworking sector near the Court poses a fire risk.
- The visit is part of the Justice Ministry's efforts to improve the working conditions of magistrates and judicial staff.
