The Mouila Administrative Tribunal recently held a solemn hearing to install two new magistrates, Carmen Nzeri Mandjetou Getou as Deputy Commissioner and Hélène Ninon Mawanga Mono-Hesson as Chief Clerk. The ceremony was presided over by Tribunal President Wilfried Oyougou Owe and attended by Ngounié Governor Francis Oyinamono, administrative and judicial authorities, defense and security forces, and family members of the appointees.
The Deputy Commissioner, Chancel Louba Siethengue, outlined the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Clerk, including managing the registry, overseeing administrative tasks, supervising staff, and monitoring judicial files. He emphasized the importance of the registry in the functioning of the administrative jurisdiction, stressing the need for conformity with legality rules. Louba Siethengue also discussed ongoing reforms, including a draft law adopted by the Council of Ministers on September 18, 2026, which requires a provision to be paid to the Public Treasury before filing a lawsuit.
Chancel Louba Siethengue highlighted the professional experience of Carmen Nzeri Mandjetou Getou, who previously worked at the Libreville Administrative Tribunal in 2017 and was assigned to Franceville after the 2018 electoral dispute. He praised her professional commitment and mastery of contentious administrative procedures, noting that her appointment as Deputy Commissioner in 2026 marks a new stage in her career.
The solemn hearing also featured a presentation by the Deputy Commissioner on the theme "The Constitution and Local Authorities". The presentation covered the constitutional foundations of local authorities' self-administration, their autonomy, and representation in the Senate. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that Gabon's local authorities have administrative and financial autonomy but lack institutional attributes specific to federated entities.
The Deputy Commissioner also discussed the administrative supervision exercised by governors, prefects, and sub-prefects over local authorities, focusing on the control of legality of acts taken by local authorities. This supervision is carried out according to deadlines and procedures provided by current regulations.
In his closing remarks, Tribunal President Wilfried Oyougou Owe stated that the installation of the two new magistrates reflects the permanence of the public service of justice. He emphasized that the appointments demonstrate the increasing role of women in judicial administration, where merit, competence, and commitment are the primary criteria for promotion.
President Oyougou Owe wished the two appointees success in their new roles, highlighting their strategic positions in ensuring the legality and authenticity of judicial acts. The ceremony concluded with a family photo of the appointees with provincial authorities.
Key points
- Two women have been appointed to key positions at the Mouila Administrative Tribunal in Gabon's Ngounié province.
- The appointments reflect the increasing role of women in judicial administration in Gabon.
- The new magistrates will play a crucial role in ensuring the legality and authenticity of judicial acts in the country.
