Deconstructing and rebuilding the constitutional order in Gabon (2023–2024)

Since the “coup de liberté” of August 30, 2023, Gabon has deconstructed and rebuilt, though not wholly unequivocally, its constitutional order. This unique and unprecedented transformation stemmed from an unconstitutional change of government, a move that, though deemed necessary, is challenging the African right to democracy. This dramatic shift is taking place within the framework of a military-civilian and ultra-presidential transition, based on continuous legal “bricolage.” The process has entered a decisive phase, with efforts to rebuild the constitutional order in a participatory and evolutionary manner. The new constitution, which will be submitted to a referendum on November 16, 2024, is expected to lead to a presidential election to mark the end of the transition in August 2025.