Gabon and Togo constitutional courts forge closer alliance

The constitutional courts of Gabon and Togo are moving toward a deeper partnership, with plans to pool resources and exchange expertise. The heads of these two high courts, Dieudonné Aba’a Owono of Gabon and Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley of Togo, laid the groundwork for this cooperation during a meeting held yesterday at the Constitutional Palace in Libreville. The Togolese delegation arrived in the Gabonese capital as part of a working and friendship visit.

This initiative builds on the strong rapport between Gabon’s leader, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and Togo’s Council President, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. Both heads of state share common perspectives on several regional and international challenges.

According to the two court presidents, the closer ties between their institutions come at a crucial time, given both persistent and emerging challenges. Constitutional justice must respond to the demands of an intergenerational society and safeguard the dignity, rights, and freedoms of future generations.

“Dialogue between our courts benefits not only our institutions but also all of Africa. It has moved beyond mere constitutional courtesy and is now essential for strengthening the rule of law on our continent,” said Dieudonné Aba’a Owono. He expressed hope that this visit marks the beginning of a long series of exchanges, allowing constitutional judges from both countries to work together, share insights, jurisprudence, and concerns.

Similarly, Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley underscored the importance of this collaboration. “In an era of global turbulence, where the prestige of the rule of law is declining in many places, dialogue between our courts gives us a chance to reaffirm our shared values, embodied by the principle of the rule of law,” he stated. The Togolese delegation’s stay in Libreville will conclude on Wednesday.