Gabon · Overview
The legal system of Gabon
A French-tradition civil-law system and CEMAC member. Following the August 2023 coup, a transitional charter governed until a new constitution was approved by referendum in November 2024, restoring a presidential republic. OHADA governs commercial law; oil, timber and mining dominate practice.
Legal tradition
Gabon belongs to the civil law (french tradition) tradition. A French-tradition civil-law system and CEMAC member. Following the August 2023 coup, a transitional charter governed until a new constitution was approved by referendum in November 2024, restoring a presidential republic. OHADA governs commercial law; oil, timber and mining dominate practice.
How power is divided
Presidential system under the 2024 constitution, with a bicameral Parliament of National Assembly and Senate and a judiciary headed by the Court of Cassation, Council of State and Constitutional Court.
Where law comes from
- Constitution of 2024
- Adopted by referendum after the transitional period.
- OHADA Uniform Acts
- Directly applicable commercial law.
- CEMAC community law
- Regional economic and monetary rules.
- Laws and ordinances
- Parliamentary statutes and delegated instruments.
- Codes
- Civil, penal (2019), labour (2021), forestry and hydrocarbons codes.
The legal profession
Avocats admitted through the Ordre des avocats du Gabon; notaires and huissiers are separate regulated professions.
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