Conference of speakers of transitional parliaments from Central and West Africa
The presidential elections of 12 April 12 2025, ushered in the end of Gabon's political transition, with the election of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema marking the start of the fifth Gabonese republic. During his inauguration, the newly elected president unveiled a timeline for the completion of the transition and the restoration of state institutions, setting legislative and local elections for September and October 2025. In anticipation of the renewal of the institutions, the transitional parliament is working to lay the foundations for further democratic consolidation.
In Libreville, representatives of the transitional parliaments of Central and West Africa met for a high-level conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities of political transitions in the region, with a focus on the role of legislative bodies at the end of political transitions and their role in building sustainable democratic societies. The event, jointly organized by Gabon's Transitional National Assembly, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and International IDEA, with the support of the European Union and its member states through the Team Democracy Europe initiative, was part of a drive to share experiences and lessons learnt to strengthen democratic institutions.
“Legislative institutions are not mere witnesses to political transitions: they are the architects of them”, emphasized International IDEA's Gabon Programme Manager, Nicholas Matatu, underlining the central role of parliaments in driving constitutional and institutional reforms, including organizing credible elections.
The aim of the conference was to ensure that transition processes lead to legitimate, inclusive and stable political systems. In a joint declaration at the end of the conference, the speakers and representatives of transitional parliaments from Gabon, Guinea, and the newly established National Assembly in Chad reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance, inclusive political participation, and peaceful transitions. They emphasized the vital role of legislative institutions in restoring constitutional order and pledged to build strong, transparent, and accountable parliaments that respond to citizens’ aspirations.
About the authors
