Over the past two years, Gabon has undergone a period of transition marked by political, institutional and social upheaval. The coup d’état of 30 August 2023 paved the way for a profound restructuring of the national landscape, followed by the Inclusive National Dialogue from 1 to 30 April 2024, which enabled the country’s various stakeholders to debate and propose reforms for a more harmonious future. The constitutional referendum of 16 November 2024 redefined the legal framework of the Fifth Republic, while the presidential election of 12 April 2025 was a key step in the democratic rebuilding of Gabon.

However, assembly rights have been further eroded by the June 2025 political party law, which mandates a 12,000-member threshold and nationwide presence—criteria that disproportionately exclude emerging movements. It also allows for the suspension of a political party in the event of ‘disturbance of public order’—a vague and open-to-interpretation concept. The case of Jean Rémy Yama’s National Party for Labour and Progress (PNTP) illustrates this: denied recognition, its public gatherings were banned or dispersed, and activists detained under vague “public order” pretexts. These provisions, although announced as aimed at structuring the political landscape, are perceived as disguised barriers to entry into the public sphere for emerging or critical movements.

The country is now preparing for legislative and local elections that should complete this transition and establish a new institutional and political balance. Throughout these transformations, civil society organisations (CSOs) have played an essential role. They have helped to raise public awareness, promote dialogue and develop the reforms necessary for the country’s stability. Their commitment has fostered a peaceful civil climate, strengthened governance and involved citizens in the consolidation of Gabonese democracy.