Gabon and Togo constitutional courts strengthen cooperation

The constitutional courts of Gabon and Togo are moving closer together, with plans to pool efforts and share experiences. The heads of these two high jurisdictions, Dieudonné Aba’a Owono of Gabon and Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley of Togo, laid the groundwork for this partnership yesterday at the Palais de la Constitution in Libreville. Their meeting came just after the Togolese delegation arrived for a working and friendship visit.

This initiative builds on the excellent relations between Gabon’s president, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and Togo’s president, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The two leaders share similar views on several regional and international issues.

Both presidents stressed that strengthening ties between their institutions is crucial given current and future challenges. Constitutional justice must adapt to the demands of an intergenerational society, particularly by protecting the dignity, rights and freedoms of future generations.

“Dialogue between our courts is not only beneficial for our institutions but also for Africa. It is no longer a simple exercise of constitutional courtesy; it has become a necessity for consolidating 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, enabling constitutional judges from both countries to work together, share their reflections, case law and questions.

Similarly, Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley reaffirmed the importance of the effort. “In this time of warlike storms where the prestige of the rule of law is receding in many parts of the world, dialogue between our jurisdictions gives us the chance to affirm our shared values embodied by the rule of law,” he noted. The Togolese delegation’s stay ends on Wednesday.