Event Summary
Following the traditional ceremony of presenting New Year’s greetings to the Head of State of the Gabonese Republic on 8 January 2026, the various institutions of the Republic and the social partners unanimously expressed their concern about the resurgence of ritual crimes observed under the Fifth Republic. This phenomenon (most often the murder of children with organ removal from the victim), which has caused outrage and fear among the population, was at the heart of the speeches and pleas presented to the President of the Republic.
The President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC), speaking on behalf of the nation’s driving forces, proposed reopening the debate on the reinstatement of the death penalty in Gabon, considered by some to be a deterrent measure in the face of serious ritual crimes. This statement marked a turning point in the discussions, raising a sensitive issue involving justice, public safety and respect for human rights.
In his speech, the Head of State began by thanking all institutions and social partners for their mobilisation and constant commitment to peace and national cohesion. He then acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns expressed and opened the door to a national debate on capital punishment. However, he specified that this decision could not be imposed unilaterally by the authorities, but should be submitted to the Gabonese people for their consideration in a referendum.