T his Monday, November 17, 2025, the National School of Magistracy (ENM), located at the Libreville courthouse, inaugurated its administrative year with rigor and solemnity. Almost the entirety of the administrative staff, as well as the new classes of trainee magistrates and court clerks, were gathered, testifying to the institutional importance attached to this key moment.

Structured Institutional Welcome, the Pivot of Integration: In accordance with Information Note N°0298/DG-ENM, the General Directorate, led by Armand YEBE, instructed the new students to establish initial contact with the administrative and pedagogical personnel. This mandatory step aims to facilitate their acculturation to the institutional framework and prepare their immersion in the training.

The Director of Initial Training for Magistrates, during his speech, unveiled a precise pedagogical schedule, framing the two years of training, including theoretical modules and practical internships. In parallel, the Director of Initial Training for Court Clerks presented an adapted calendar, reflecting their professional specificities.

On November 18, the students will engage in a ten-day immersion internship within the judicial, administrative, and financial jurisdictions of Libreville (Courthouse, Administrative Court, Court of Auditors). The trainee court clerks will complete their internship in the clerk's offices (greffes), strategic elements of the judicial system that guarantee the authenticity and preservation of legal documents.

Discipline, Work, Excellence, Rigor: The General Director's Watchwords: In a foundational address, Armand YEBE reminded the trainee magistrates of the essential deontological principles indispensable to their future role. Insisting on the notions of discipline, rigor, intense work, and excellence, he underlined the stakes related to public trust and the credibility of the State.

"The judicial function is at the heart of the rule of law. You must be exemplary in the eyes of society," he declared, emphasizing the importance of irreproachable conduct, the cornerstone of the judicial public service.

Furthermore, morality background checks will be scrupulously carried out in accordance with the ENM's internal regulations, ensuring a rigorous selection process.

Similar attention was given to the trainee court clerks, for whom discipline and excellence constitute non-negotiable requirements. Armand YEBE highlighted their pivotal role in the proper functioning of the courts, as guardians of the seal authenticating judicial acts.

Integration of Military Training: A Patriotic and Disciplinary Breath: An important component of the administrative year opening focused on one month of military training, now integrated into the curriculum for both trainee magistrates and court clerks. This training aims to reinforce personal discipline, physical endurance, and especially the sense of patriotic duty—intrinsic values linked to their function in service of justice and the Republic.

In summary, this 2025 opening translates a clear will for reinforced professionalization, combining deontological requirements, administrative rigor, and patriotic commitment among Gabon's future judicial actors. The ENM is thus preparing to train a new generation of exemplary magistrates and court clerks, pillars of a credible and respected justice system.