D ecember 29, 2025, marks a crucial milestone in the consolidation of the rule of law in Gabon. Under the gaze of His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Head of State, Dieudonné Aba'a Owono—the recently elected President of the Constitutional Court—accompanied by his eight colleagues, took their oath of office before the highest authority in the land.

In accordance with Article 124, paragraph 5, of the Gabonese Constitution, each judge placed their left hand on the Constitution before swearing to perform their duties with integrity, neutrality, impartiality, and discretion. This solemn moment highlights the judges' firm commitment to ensuring scrupulous respect for the fundamental texts and to guaranteeing institutional stability.

During this ceremony, the President of the Republic paid tribute to the incoming members, emphasizing the absolute necessity of an independent constitutional justice system to sustainably strengthen the legal and institutional architecture of the 5th Republic. He insisted on the imperative rigor and independence required in the exercise of their duties, while highlighting the superior interest of the nation as the guiding principle.

This solemn oath constitutes a strong declaration of the effective return to constitutional order, following a period marked by institutional challenges. Furthermore, H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema devoted a special moment to the outgoing judges, congratulating them for their commitment and the work accomplished throughout the transition process, highlighting their essential role in this passage toward lasting stability.

This ceremony symbolizes not only the legitimacy of the new members of the Constitutional Court but also reaffirms the Gabonese will to build an exemplary constitutional justice system—a guarantor of democracy and the rule of law.