This country is placed in Band F

Recommendations Unavailable

Policy recommendations not available for this country's assessment

Leadership 30
01.
score
0

Is there formal provision for effective and independent legislative scrutiny of defence policy?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon's legislative power is shared between the Parliament and the Senate.

There is no mention of supervision or oversight of any sort on the Defence Ministry and the Parliament's websites. The Parliament has a Commission, entitled &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; (Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and National Defence&quoute;) but no information on its deeds is available.

Alternative sources (media, NGOs, academics) do not seem to report on these issues. When speaking with personal acquaintances from Gabon, they direct me to UNDP branch which itself channels Transparency International research. No independently led activity seems to happen thus.

No independent oversight exists. Conflicts of interest are pervasive. Media source (Nouveau government) discusses the newly formed government and the fact that the President and his close circle (incl. family) are the ones who are in charge of defence and security personally.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, last modified 02/2014
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, last modified, 12/2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, Homepage
(all links accessed 26 Aug 2014)

Media sources:
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

02.
score
0

Does the country have an identifiable and effective parliamentary defence and security committee (or similar such organisation) to exercise oversight?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no mention of supervision or oversight of any sort on the Defence Ministry and the Parliament's websites. The Parliament has a Commission, entitled &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; (Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and National Defence&quoute;) but no information on its deeds is available.

Although a Commission seems to exist, no actual information on the oversight it exercises exists.

Parliament's independence is a legitimate question - Télesphore Ondo's work describes a deeply unethical election machinery where voters and opposition candidates are offered gifts and financial rewards so that the ruling majority manages to keep its Parliamentary majority (see &quoute;Plaidoyer pour un nouveau régime politique au Gabon&quoute;, pp. 87-89). This clearly shows a lack of independence from the Parliament regarding the government's decisions and actions.

Alternative sources (media, NGOs, academics) do not seem to report on these issues. When speaking with personal acquaintances from Gabon, they direct me to UNDP branch which itself channels Transparency International research. No independently led activity seems to happen thus.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, last modified 02/2014
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, last modified, 12/2013
(all links accessed 26 Aug 2014)

Media sources:
N/A

Others:
- &quoute;Les immunités parlementaires au Gabon&quoute;,Télesphore Ondo, undated but post-2011 http://www.editions-harmattan.fr/auteurs/article_pop.asp?no=19619&no_artiste=15361 (accessed 18 Feb 2015)
- &quoute;Plaidoyer pour un nouveau régime politique au Gabon&quoute;, Télesphore Ondo, éd. Publibook, 2012

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: I believe the score should be changed to '1' as there is the &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; but its independence and effectiveness is questionable as it appears that &quoute;The composition of the Committee relicts the numerical force of each party in the parliament&quoute;, meaning it is likely dominated by the PDG.

See:
http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/CtrlParlementaire/2115_F.htm#defnat
and
http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/

Suggested score: 1

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: The researcher clearly acknowledges the existence of a commission but scored this question as no such organisation in existence. I recommend changing this to #1

Suggested score: 1

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

03.
score
0

Is the country's national defence policy debated and publicly available?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No information is available regarding a clearly defined policy, let alone a publicly debated discussion of it. Alternative sources (media, NGOs, academics) do not seem to report on these issues.

When speaking with personal acquaintances from Gabon, they direct me to the UNDP which itself channels Transparency International research. No independently led activity seems to occur relating to the defence policy or defence-related issues.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/
- Armed Forces http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/11-forces-armees/
(all links accessed 26 Aug 2014)

- Media sources:
N/A

- Others
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

04.
score
0

Do defence and security institutions have a policy, or evidence, of openness towards civil society organisations (CSOs) when dealing with issues of corruption? If no, is there precedent for CSO involvement in general government anti-corruption initiatives?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No such actual cooperation was identified, neither on institutional websites nor through media.

Although a one-day conference was held on 9 Dec 2013 aiming to increase youth literacy regarding corruption, no further engagement has been found. The event was organised by the Gabonese Commission nationale de lutte contre l’enrichissement illicite (National Commission for the fight against illicit enrichment). According to the media report (from Gabon Review, see &quoute;Sources&quoute; section), the attendees counted an unnamed international expert, public administration servants from the education sector, pupils' parents, civil society representatives, youth and others.

In addition, the strategic plan to fight corruption adopted in December 2013 has limited mention of defence and interactions with NGOs or CSOs. Indeed, the Ministry of Defence is supposed to somehow involve civil society in its actions on transport-related matters but no mention exists on its own internal workings. Lastly, the implementation of this strategy involves the creation of a Steering committee where one CSO/NGO representative has to sit. One NGO/CSO representative has to participate to the Organising committee too. Such representatives seem to have not been elected in the Committees yet this is the most recent evidence of CSO cooperation I was able to identify.

The interviewee confirmed that it is extremely difficult to work on the topic and collaborating with the government with such issues is &quoute;a crazy thought. Defence is never a topic of public discussion unless it is to glorify the army&quoute;. The interviewee spoke of intimidation whenever CSO members try to address corruption issues, an account supported by systematic harassment of anti-corruption activists (see interview with Gregory Mintsa on TI France blog and/or open letter of condemnation of continued harassment of Georges Mpaga who has been called for questioning by intelligence). The article states: &quoute;Minsta, who in 2010 won Transparency International's Integrity award, says he lost his job as a civil servant when he began campaigning against corruption in Gabon.&quoute;

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- &quoute;Projet d'appui à la commission nationale contre l’enrichissement illicite (CNLCEI) et l’agence nationale d’investigation financière (ANIF)&quoute;, UNDP, undated http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/operations/projects/democratic_governance/projet-d-appui-a-la-commission-nationale-contre-lenrichissement-/, Homepage

Media sources:
- &quoute;Pleins feux sur la corruption au Gabon, le 9 décembre&quoute;, Gabon Review, 7 Dec 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/pleins-feux-sur-la-corruption-au-gabon-le-9-decembre/
- &quoute;Lutte contre la corruption: Le Gabon se dote d'un document stratégique&quoute;, Gabonéco, 19 Dec 2013 http://www.gaboneco.com/nouvelles_africaines_31331.html

Others:
- &quoute;GEORGES MPAGA AND MARCEL LIBAMA JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN GABON. GEORGES MPAGA ET MARCEL LIBAMA AU COMITÉ DE PILOTAGE DE LA LUTTE CONTRE LA CORRUPTION AU GABON&quoute;, Blog &quoute;Gabon énervant | Annoying Gabon&quoute;, 28 March 2014 http://gabonenervant.blogspot.com/2014/03/georges-mpaga-and-marcel-libama-join.html
- &quoute;LES HÉROS DE LA LUTTE CONTRE LA CORRUPTION : UNE INTERVIEW AVEC GREGORY NGBWA MINTSA&quoute;, Transparency International France blog, 16 mai 2013 http://blog.transparency.org/2013/05/16/les-heros-de-la-lutte-contre-la-corruption-une-interview-avec-gregory-ngbwa-mintsa/
- &quoute;La société civile gabonaise condamne la convocation de Georges Mpaga par les services de renseignement&quoute;, Convention de la Diaspora Gabonaise, 8 mai 2013 http://conventiondiasporagabonaise.org/actualit%C3%A9s/actualit%C3%A9s-gabon/88-la-societe-civile-gabonaise-condamne-la-convocation-de-georges-mpaga-par-les-services-de-renseignement.html

(all links accessed 26 Aug 2014)

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 1 (NGO volunteer in Libreville), Aug 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

05.
score
2

Has the country signed up to international anti-corruption instruments such as, but not exclusively or necessarily, UNCAC and the OECD Convention? (In your answer, please specify which.)

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon has only signed (10 Dec 2003) and ratified (1 Oct 2007) the UNCAC. The country is not a participant to the OECD Convention (as it is not a member of the OECD) nor has it signed the Wassenaar Agreement.

In its dedicated document, the Gabonese branch of the UNDP outlines the lack of compliance between signing up to and ratifying the UNCAC, and the country's legal frameworks (section 1.3, p. 7): the absence of a comprehensive anti-corruption policy, a nearly complete lack of coordination and cooperation between the actors of anti-corruption initiatives including CSOs and media, the inability of the different actors to present relevant numbers and statistics enabling the proper evaluation of policies, and an actual lack of human resources able to tackle corruption.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- United Nations Convention against Corruption: Signature and Ratification Status as of 5 September 2014 http://www.unodc.org/unodc/fr/treaties/CAC/signatories.html
- OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions http://www.oecd.org/corruption/oecdantibriberyconvention.htm, Homepage
- Wassenaar Agreement http://www.wassenaar.org/participants/index.html, Homepage
- &quoute;Projet d'appui à la commission nationale contre l’enrichissement illicite (CNLCEI) et l’agence nationale d’investigation financière (ANIF)&quoute;, UNDP 2014-2017 http://www.ga.undp.org/content/dam/gabon/docs/ficheprojet/UNDP-GA-ProdocPACLEI.pdf

(All links accessed 10 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

06.
score
0

Is there evidence of regular, active public debate on issues of defence? If yes, does the government participate in this debate?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No such evidence was identified. The interviewee confirmed it is extremely difficult to get in touch with officials on these topics, let alone to be involved in a public debate. Media are generally sympathetic to the government and the ruling elite, reflecting on celebrations and speaking in high terms about the President, but no actual information on defence and security is transmitted to the public.

For instance, there are reports on naval conferences to deal with piracy, or promoting military initiatives such as 'Open Doors Day', which celebrates female participation in the armed forces. But substantial debate is harder to come by. The last source is a rare informative piece: it discusses the newly formed government and the fact that the President and his close circle (incl. family) are the ones who are in charge of defence and security personally. The report outlines the connections between President Bongo and his Minister of Defence, Ernest Mpouho-Epigat, who has been advisor to the President twice and is his cousin; the ties are also extremely close with the Minister of Interior and his deputy, both former advisors to Ali Bongo and his business partners.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2014
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, 2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, Homepage

(all links accessed 26 Aug 2014)

Media sources:
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/
- http://www.union.sonapresse.com/politique-gabon/journees-de-la-defence-nationaleconferences-la-piraterie-maritime-au-centre-des-debats-251214-45377 - accessed Aug 2014
- 'L'insécurité au centre des débats', Koaci, 18.04.2012, accessed 24th February 2014
http://koaci.com/gabon-linsecurite-centre-debats-74487.html

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 1 (NGO volunteer in Libreville), Aug 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

07.
score
2

Does the country have an openly stated and actively implemented anti-corruption policy for the defence sector?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon has, with input from the UNDP, composed a national strategy for the fight against corruption (full text linked to in the &quoute;Sources&quoute; section). It does not contain any provisions that specifically target the defence sector. The only two mentions of the Ministry of Defence relate to transport matters and whistleblower protection and even these remain ambiguous. It is however unclear what these exactly mean. It could be that the document aims to protect whistleblowers within the Defence Ministry but it also only lists some ministries rather than all of them.The defence and security sectors do not seem included in the national strategy. The &quoute;Projet d'appui&quoute; does not mention these at all either.

The interviewee confirmed that it is extremely difficult to work on the topic and collaborating with the government with such issues is &quoute;a crazy thought. Defence is never a topic of public discussion unless it is to glorify the army&quoute;. A quick survey of media found similar supporting reports (see &quoute;Sources&quoute; above, in the 'Media' subsection).

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
The UNDP strategy and broadly what it is
Is there an openly stated anti-corruption policy explicit to the defence sector? If not, is there an openly stated broader government anti-corruption policy which covers the defence sector?
If there is a policy, is there evidence of specific implementation plans and evidence of their effective implementation (in defence/security if not, generally)?
If there is no policy, is there evidence that the government is considering one but it is either not in place yet, or evidence that there is no serious action behind it?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- &quoute;Projet d'appui à la commission nationale contre l’enrichissement illicite (CNLCEI) et l’agence nationale d’investigation financière (ANIF)&quoute;, UNDP, undated http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/operations/projects/democratic_governance/projet-d-appui-a-la-commission-nationale-contre-lenrichissement-/
- &quoute;Stratégie Nationale de Lutte Contre la Corruption et le Blanchiment des Capitaux&quoute;, UNDP, 18 Dec 2013 http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/library/democratic_governance/SNLCCBC_GouvDem2013/

Media sources:
- &quoute;Pleins feux sur la corruption au Gabon, le 9 décembre&quoute;, Gabon Review, 7 Dec 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/pleins-feux-sur-la-corruption-au-gabon-le-9-decembre/
- &quoute;Lutte contre la corruption: Le Gabon se dote d'un document stratégique&quoute;, Gabonéco, 19 Dec 2013 http://www.gaboneco.com/nouvelles_africaines_31331.html
- &quoute;La tournée des popotes du ministre de la Défense nationale&quoute;, Gabon Review, 16 Apr 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/la-tournee-des-popotes-du-ministre-de-la-defence-nationale/
- &quoute;GABON : L'insécurité au centre des débats&quoute;, Koaci, 18 Apr 2012 http://koaci.com/gabon-linsecurite-centre-debats-74487.html

Others:
- &quoute;GEORGES MPAGA AND MARCEL LIBAMA JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN GABON. GEORGES MPAGA ET MARCEL LIBAMA AU COMITÉ DE PILOTAGE DE LA LUTTE CONTRE LA CORRUPTION AU GABON&quoute;, Blog &quoute;Gabon énervant | Annoying Gabon&quoute;, 28 March 2014 http://gabonenervant.blogspot.com/2014/03/georges-mpaga-and-marcel-libama-join.html

(all links accessed 26 Aug 2014)

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 1 (NGO volunteer in Libreville), Aug 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: The UNDP provides anti-corruption technical support to approximately 103 countries, including Gabon. This is carried out through the Global Programme on Anti-Corruption for Development Effectiveness (PACDE), as well as regional and country-level programmes. As stated on the UNDP's website the &quoute;UNDP provides advisory services to programming countries; engages in advocacy and global awareness raising on anti-corruption; builds synergies with the initiatives of relevant partners; synchronizes global and regional activities with emerging demands from the countries involved; and develops knowledge products on anti-corruption to assist anti-corruption programming at the country level.&quoute;

I have not encountered an openly stated anti-corruption policy explicit to the defence sector, nor have I located an openly stated broader government anti-corruption policy which covers the defence sector.

The government, with the support of the UNDP, appears to be in the process of supporting two agencies to fight corruption (CNLCEI and ANIF), however I have not seen any reference to the military or defence sectors. Furthermore, the programme seems to be underfunded, with the government committing $717 000 of the anticipated $8.1 million budget .

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Any documents that are not openly accessible that may pertain to Gabon's anti-corruption policies within the defence force specifically would likely be classified, and thus against the code of conduct of TI.

UNDP's information on corruption measures are both easily accessible and understandable from their website, and therefore well within the researcher's ability to reference.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

08.
score
0

Are there independent, well-resourced, and effective institutions within defence and security tasked with building integrity and countering corruption?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence was identified of such institutions. The National commission for fight against embezzlement (the Slate Afrique piece discusses its creation) does not deal with defence. No other entity tasked with such oversight was identified either.

PEER REVIEWERS - It would be really helpful here to have some more institutional context - can you confirm whether there are institutions with a wider crime/fraud remit such as the advocate general, legal service, military police, internal or external audit, please take a wider view and provide context? Many thanks.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage

Media:
- &quoute;Comment le Gabon veut en finir avec la corruption&quoute;, Slate Afrique, 27 Dec 2012 http://www.slateafrique.com/100533/gabon-la-lutte-contre-la-corruption-l-affaire-des-africains

All links accessed 26 Aug 2014

Others:
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: The only national institution identified that is involved in anti-corruption measures is la Commission Nationale de Lutte Contre l’Enrichissement Illicite. No such institution was identified for the defence and security sectors of the government.

Gabon has a public prosecutor, but based on press coverage, this authority has advanced the interests of the government rather than pursue any effective anti-corruption measures. See: http://www.africareview.com/News/Gabon-opposition-leader-declared-a-public-nuisance/-/979180/1484052/-/4feu8k/-/index.html and http://www1.infosplusgabon.com/article.php3?id_article=2330

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: As with previous question, the requests for more information is precisely the task of the researcher, not the reviewer.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

09.
score
0

Does the public trust the institutions of defence and security to tackle the issue of bribery and corruption in their establishments?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Global Competitiveness Report 2013 - 2014 rates trust in politicians in Gabon with a 3.1 (with 1 being no trust and 7 full trust). In addition, diversion of public funds is said to occur quite commonly (the score here is 2.8, where 1 is 'extremely common' and 7 is 'never happens'). Yet these are general public administration related assessments and mainly target obstacles to doing business. No mention exists for defence. The review of police forces and their reliability is graded with a 3.5 (with 1 being 'not reliable at all' and 7 being 'can be trusted upon'). The Afrobarometer, a comparable index, has no data on Gabon.

The interviewee told me that the population considers the government to be not just guilty for not fighting corruption, but actually actively maintaining it as &quoute;it protects their stronghold over the country&quoute;.

No media report was identified addressing public opinion with regards to corruption in the defence and security sector.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- &quoute;The Global Competitiveness Report 2013 - 2014&quoute;, World Economic Forum http://www.weforum.org/reports/global-competitiveness-report-2013-2014

Media sources:
N/A

Others:
- Afrobarometer http://www.afrobarometer.org/

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 1 (NGO volunteer in Libreville), Aug 2014

(all links accessed 26 Aug 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

10.
score
0

Are there regular assessments by the defence ministry or another government agency of the areas of greatest corruption risk for ministry and armed forces personnel, and do they put in place measures for mitigating such risks?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No such evidence was identified. There was also no evidence to suggest that such issues were raised by other bodies such as the military police, or an audit or parliamentary committee, nor any recent cases of MOD corruption to which the government responded. The interviewee was not aware of such assessments neither and had doubts on the government's capacity or willingness to implement these.

COMMENTS -+

Sources:
N/A

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 1 (NGO volunteer in Libreville), Aug 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

11.
score
0

Does the country have a process for acquisition planning that involves clear oversight, and is it publicly available?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No such process was identified, and no public information related to these matters was found.

COMMENTS -+

N/A

(http://www.aninf.ga/telechargements/PLAN%20STRATEGIQUE%20GABON%20EMERGENT.pdf This &quoute;Gabon émergent&quoute; grand strategy is a strategic vision by the President of where Gabon should be in 2025 and the development priorities for 2011-2016. It contains nothing on military doctrine or acquisition planning. The only mention of security matters tangentially related to security is the fight against maritime piracy which is one of the country's priorities.)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

12.
score
0

Is the defence budget transparent, showing key items of expenditure? This would include comprehensive information on military R&D, training, construction, personnel expenditures, acquisitions, disposal of assets, and maintenance.

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Ministry of Budget has a website which, just like any other website of the Gabon government, is &quoute;under construction&quoute;. Media sources highlight basic knowledge about the budget: the most recent news piece reports bulk sums, e.g. that higher amounts have been allocated to salaries and here the defence sector is mentioned as it is said to have enjoyed increased recruitment rates. Yet no details are given on this.

The World Bank has no numbers on military expenditure for Gabon, while SIPRI has very limited and show only off-budget expenditure, making analysis on this difficult.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon Senate http://www.senat.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon Ministry of Budget and Public Accounts http://www.budget.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- &quoute;PROJET DE LOI DE FINANCES RECTIFICATIVE 2014 / PRESENTATION DU MINISTRE DE L'ECONOMIE ET DE LA PROSPECTIVE, Christophe AKAGHA MBA, AU SENAT.&quoute; http://www.economie.gouv.ga/9-actualites/656-projet-de-loi-de-finances-rectificative-2014-presentation-du-ministre-de-l-economie-et-de-la-prospective-christophe-akagha-mba-au-senat-/, 2014
- Military expenditure, World Bank http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.ZS

- Media sources:
- &quoute;Le Gabon revoit son budget à la baisse&quoute;, Gabon Review, 30 June 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/gabon-revoit-budget-baisse/
- &quoute;Gabon : Un budget de 124, 736 milliards de FCFA alloué au ministère gabonais de la Défense nationale&quoute;, Gabon Libre, 25 Nov 2010 http://www.gabonlibre.com/Gabon-Un-budget-de-124-736-milliards-de-FCFA-alloue-au-ministere-gabonais-de-la-defence-nationale_a6851.html (article from 2010)
- &quoute;Gabon : La Défense nationale s’exhibe à Libreville&quoute;, Gabonéco http://www.gabon-tourism.gaboneco.com/nouvelles_africaines_13316.html (article from 2009)

Research:
- SIPRI Military Expenditure http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/milex/milex_database

All links accessed 10 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: More clarification can be found from IHS Jane's World Armies and the Military Balance 2015. Both are paid-for services, however, and are not publicly available. Nonetheless, significant defence acquisitions are listed on SIPRI and, in the case of trade with well-regulated states, in arms export records from the exporting nation (eg South Africa's NCACC with specific regards to an RSA-Gabon sale of ex-SAAF Mirage fighter jets.)

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

12A.
score
0

Is there a legislative committee (or other appropriate body) responsible for defence budget scrutiny and analysis in an effective way, and is this body provided with detailed, extensive, and timely information on the defence budget?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no mention of supervision or oversight of any sort on the Defence Ministry and the Parliament's websites. The Parliament has a Commission, entitled &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; (Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and National Defence&quoute;) but no information on its deeds is available.

A State Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes) exists, and is a sub-entity related to the Supreme Court. Yet in none of its attributions one sees a mention of &quoute;defence&quoute; or defence-related expenditure. Gabon has, with input from the UNDP, composed a national strategy for the fight against corruption (full text linked to in the &quoute;Sources&quoute; section). It does not contain any provisions that specifically target the defence sector. Nor does the &quoute;Projet d'appui&quoute;.

No independent oversight exists. No media sources were identified that could give details and/or speculate on the role of the Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale either. No other sources (academics, CSOs) were identified. Thus, it seems plausible that no public information is available.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, last modified 2014
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, last modified 2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, homepage
- &quoute;Projet d'appui à la commission nationale contre l’enrichissement illicite (CNLCEI) et l’agence nationale d’investigation financière (ANIF)&quoute;, UNDP, undated http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/operations/projects/democratic_governance/projet-d-appui-a-la-commission-nationale-contre-lenrichissement-/
- &quoute;Stratégie Nationale de Lutte Contre la Corruption et le Blanchiment des Capitaux&quoute;, UNDP, 18 Dec 2013 http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/library/democratic_governance/SNLCCBC_GouvDem2013/

Media sources:
N/A

All links accessed 10 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

12B.
score
1

Is the approved defence budget made publicly available? In practice, can citizens, civil society, and the media obtain detailed information on the defence budget?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Ministry of Budget has a website which, just like any other website of the Gabon government, is &quoute;under construction&quoute;.

Media sources highlight basic knowledge about the budget: the most recent news piece reports bulk sums, e.g. that higher amounts have been allocated to salaries and here the defence sector is mentioned as it is said to have enjoyed increased recruitment rates. Yet no details are given on this. Neither the World Bank nor SIPRI have more success in this field.

No information whatsoever is given to civil society. The interviewee said that asking about military budget is &quoute;not something one can reasonably envision&quoute;, suggesting that such an endeavour may be both difficult and dangerous.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/
- Gabon Senate http://www.senat.ga/
- Gabon Ministry of Budget and Public Accounts http://www.budget.gouv.ga/
- &quoute;PROJET DE LOI DE FINANCES RECTIFICATIVE 2014 / PRESENTATION DU MINISTRE DE L'ECONOMIE ET DE LA PROSPECTIVE, Christophe AKAGHA MBA, AU SENAT.&quoute; http://www.economie.gouv.ga/9-actualites/656-projet-de-loi-de-finances-rectificative-2014-presentation-du-ministre-de-l-economie-et-de-la-prospective-christophe-akagha-mba-au-senat-/

- Media sources:
- &quoute;Le Gabon revoit son budget à la baisse&quoute;, Gabon Review, 30 June 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/gabon-revoit-budget-baisse/
- &quoute;Gabon : Un budget de 124, 736 milliards de FCFA alloué au ministère gabonais de la Défense nationale&quoute;, Gabon Libre, 25 Nov 2010 http://www.gabonlibre.com/Gabon-Un-budget-de-124-736-milliards-de-FCFA-alloue-au-ministere-gabonais-de-la-defence-nationale_a6851.html (article from 2010)
- &quoute;Gabon : La Défense nationale s’exhibe à Libreville&quoute;, Gabonéco http://www.gabon-tourism.gaboneco.com/nouvelles_africaines_13316.html (article from 2009)

Research:
- SIPRI Military Expenditure http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/milex/milex_database

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 1 (NGO volunteer in Libreville), Aug 2014 and Feb 2015

All links accessed 10 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: Based on the information provided, I believe the score should be '0' as no defence budget data is disclosed in government sources.

Suggested score: 0

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

13.
score
0

Are sources of defence income other than from central government allocation (from equipment sales or property disposal, for example) published and scrutinised?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no information on such sources. The only media report cited here discusses outcomes from a government meeting which details legislative measures but none of them is linked to the matter of military revenue.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Whether there is significant military aid provided by other countries.
Is there publication of sources of defence income other than from central government allocation (such as from equipment sales or property disposal)? If so:
Is there evidence this information may not be reliable?
What is the level of detail? Does this include information on the money received and the destination?

Is there oversight of sources of defence income other than from central government allocation? Please name the bodies mandated with such scrutiny.
Is public scrutiny enabled through publication of such information on a website

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon Senate http://www.senat.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon Ministry of Budget and Public Accounts http://www.budget.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Military expenditure, World Bank http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.ZS

Media sources:
- &quoute;Communiqué final du conseil des ministres du 10 juin 2014&quoute;, AGP Gabon http://www.agpgabon.ga/officiels/conseils-des-ministres/article/communique-final-du-conseil-des-4942

All links accessed 10 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: France has had a military agreement with Gabon since 1960 and has a military base in Libreville with 450 French troops permanently stationed there, see: http://country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=1801832364&Country=Chad&topic=Politics. Beyond this, I have not seen any indication of military aid being provided to Gabon.

No sources were located which publicize defence income other than from central government allocation (such as from equipment sales or property disposal).

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: The United States provides International Military Education and Training (IMET) funding to Gabon annually, and is disclosed in full from the United States' side. Although not disclosed by Gabon itself, the access to this information is freely available.

http://www.state.gov/t/pm/ppa/sat/c14562.htm

Suggested score: 2

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

14.
score
0

Is there an effective internal audit process for defence ministry expenditure (that is, for example, transparent, conducted by appropriately skilled individuals, and subject to parliamentary oversight)?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no publicly available mentions of internal supervision or oversight of any sort for defence ministry expenditure on the Defence Ministry and the Parliament's websites.

There is a State Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes) which is a sub-entity related to the Supreme Court. Yet none of its attributions mentions &quoute;defence&quoute; or defence-related expenditure. There are also no reports or investigation results published on its website that hint at oversight.

No media reports were identified which discusses/speculates on such an internal audit (or the lack thereof).

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, 2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, Homepage

Media sources:
N/A

All links accessed 10 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

15.
score
0

Is there effective and transparent external auditing of military defence expenditure?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no mention of supervision or oversight of any sort on the Defence Ministry and the Parliament's websites. The Parliament has a Commission, entitled &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; (Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and National Defence&quoute;) but no information on its deeds is available. Thus, if any of these performs auditing of military defence expenditure, there is no publicly available proof of it.

A State Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes) exists, and is a sub-entity related to the Supreme Court. Yet in none of its attributions one sees a mention of &quoute;defence&quoute; or defence-related expenditure. It would be too ambitious to speculate that the defence sector is included by default especially when no report with audits of military defence expenditure is available on the Institution's website.

Gabon has, with input from the UNDP, composed a national strategy for the fight against corruption (full text linked to in the &quoute;Sources&quoute; section). It does not contain any provisions that specifically target the defence sector.

I have thus chosen to grade this indicator with a 0 as no evidence of the existence of external audit was identified.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, 2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, Homepage
- &quoute;Projet d'appui à la commission nationale contre l’enrichissement illicite (CNLCEI) et l’agence nationale d’investigation financière (ANIF)&quoute;, UNDP, undated http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/operations/projects/democratic_governance/projet-d-appui-a-la-commission-nationale-contre-lenrichissement-/
- &quoute;Stratégie Nationale de Lutte Contre la Corruption et le Blanchiment des Capitaux&quoute;, UNDP, 18 Dec 2013 http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/library/democratic_governance/SNLCCBC_GouvDem2013/

Media sources:
N/A


All links accessed 10 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

16.
score
0

Is there evidence that the country's defence institutions have controlling or financial interests in businesses associated with the country's natural resource exploitation and, if so, are these interests publicly stated and subject to scrutiny?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The interviewee explained that, despite alleged investigation of corruption from France and the US, the political establishment remains extremely corrupt.

There are no verified reports regarding the military's business participation in Gabon, but it seems that high-ranking officials from the defence sector maintain and nurture close connections with the political establishment and their French counterparts, both state-owned and privately-held.

France has important interests in Gabon, including a dedicated defence partnership and business partnerships focusing on uranium extraction and oil. The interviewee explained that France's military presence in Gabon is extremely strong and links between business ventures and the Gabonese establishment are deeply rooted. Yet, no true investigation and reporting occur in the country, deplored the interviewee.

Nominations in the government are quite arbitrary, too: for example, until September 15, the Minister of Education was Léon Nzouba, a medic and a military (see media source 4); he was sacked by the President but the media reports do not cite any reason for the sacking.

Conflicts of interest are also pervasive. Media source 5 discusses the newly formed government and the fact that the President and his close circle (incl. family) are the ones who are in charge of defence and security personally. The report outlines the connections between President Bongo and his Minister of Defence, Ernest Mpouho-Epigat, who has been advisor to the President twice and is his cousin; the ties are also extremely close with the Minister of Interior and his deputy, both former advisors to Ali Bongo and his business partners.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional reports:
- &quoute;Gabon : ratification du traité instituant un partenariat de défense&quoute;, French Parliament website (The text ratifying a treaty between France and Gabon focused on defence) http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/13/dossiers/gabon_partenariat_defence.asp
- Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative: Gabon, World Bank http://star.worldbank.org/corruption-cases/node/18625

France's military presence in Gabon (added and accessed on 20 Feb 2015):
- &quoute;Les éléments français au Gabon&quoute;, French Ministry of Defence, 23 Jan 2015 http://www.defence.gouv.fr/ema/forces-prepositionnees/gabon/dossier/les-elements-francais-au-gabon
- &quoute;Forces françaises au Gabon : Issozet Ngondet veut revoir les choses&quoute;, Gabon Review, 17 Oct 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/forces-francaises-au-gabon-issozet-ngondet-veut-revoir-les-choses/
- Rapport d'évaluation sur l’évolution du dispositif militaire français en Afrique et sur le suivi des opérations en cours, by French Parliamentary Commission on Defence, 9 Jul 2014 http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/14/rap-info/i2114.asp
- &quoute;La présence française au Gabon&quoute;, L'Internaute, undated http://www.linternaute.com/savoir/magazine/dossier/france-afrique/gabon.shtml (Dossier on French presence in Africa)

Media:
- &quoute;Gabon : lutter contre la corruption, une nécessité&quoute;, Jeune Afrique, 18 Jan 2013 http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20130115170145/
- &quoute;Biens mal acquis : perquisition dans une villa du clan Bongo à Nice&quoute;, Le Monde, 13 Dec 2013 http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/02/13/biens-mal-acquis-perquisition-dans-une-villa-du-clan-bongo-a-nice_1832135_3212.html#ixraPlHihTq0qv1V.99
- &quoute;U.S. Probes Fund Flows From Gabon&quoute;, The Washington Post; Feb. 25, 2014 http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304275304579393331581449134
- &quoute;Gabon - Remaniement en cours : Plusieurs ministres virés&quoute;, Gabon Libre, 16 Sept 2014 http://www.gabonlibre.com/Gabon-Remaniement-en-cours-Plusieurs-ministres-vires_a26652.html
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 2, union member (Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: There have been allegations of a Gabonese government official holding a stake in a natural resources project http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/30/us-gabon-olam-activist-idUSBRE92T04Q20130330 but I have not encountered any similar claims made against officials from the defence institutions.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

17.
score
3

Is there evidence, for example through media investigations or prosecution reports, of a penetration of organised crime into the defence and security sector? If no, is there evidence that the government is alert and prepared for this risk?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The type of organised crime that Gabon seems to suffer from is poaching. No reports were identified that organised crime has penetrated the military. It is unclear how the government deals with this problem. It is also unclear whether organised crime has penetrated into other sectors of the government than the defence and security one.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Is there evidence, through media investigations or prosecution reports, of a penetration of organised crime into the defence and security sector?
If no, is there evidence the defence ministry is actively working to remain alert to and prepared for this risk?
If yes, is there evidence the government is actively working to tackle the problem?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013

Media sources:
- &quoute;Le crime organisé prospère dans le braconnage&quoute;, Le Devoir, 13 Sept 2013 http://www.ledevoir.com/environnement/actualites-sur-l-environnement/387392/le-crime-organise-prospere-dans-le-braconnage
- &quoute;Gabon : La législation pour lutter contre le braconnage et l'exploitation illicite de la forêt&quoute;, Koaci, 5 May 2014 http://www.koaci.com/gabon-legislation-pour-lutter-contre-braconnage-lexploitation-illicite-foret-91535.html
- &quoute;Gabon : Ali Bongo réclame un moratoire de 10 ans sur le commerce de l'ivoire&quoute;, Koaci, 13 Feb 2014 http://www.koaci.com/gabon-bongo-reclame-moratoire-commerce-livoire-89826.html

All links accessed 11 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Another activity organized criminal groups are involved in is human trafficking. http://www.dol.gov/ilab/reports/child-labor/gabon.htm While this report notes some advancement in tackling the issue by the government, the extent to which the defence and security sector are involved in tackling these networks is unclear. I have not encountered any claims that the military is itself complicit in this practice.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

18.
score
0

Is there policing to investigate corruption and organised crime within the defence services and is there evidence of the effectiveness of this policing?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence was identified suggesting that there is an entity specifically targeting the defence sector. The only somewhat linked information is on &quoute;ghost civil servants&quoute; uncovered back in September 2013, but no mention has been made as to their claimed affiliation. These &quoute;ghost servants&quoute; are said to risk prosecution but there appear to be no follow-up media or environmental report was identified confirming/invalidating such a claim nor giving details about the fate of these &quoute;ghosts&quoute;.

Reviewers:
The Guardian article discusses a large corruption investigation by the State Prosecutor, for the purposes of this question might that institution be considered as an &quoute;Independent policing functions which exists to tackle specific issues of corruption and organised crime amongst defence forces, and evidence of effective enforcement can found.&quoute;?

Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Is there policing to investigate corruption and organised crime within the defence services?
If so:
Are they specifically targeted on issues on corruption and organised crime?
Please comment on their independence.
Is there evidence of their effectiveness in investigating corruption and organised crime?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon’s Bongo Family: Living In Luxury, Paid For By Corruption And Embezzlement&quoute;, IBTimes, February 15 2013 http://www.ibtimes.com/gabons-bongo-family-living-luxury-paid-corruption-embezzlement-1088930
- &quoute;Gabon investigation unmasks 3,000 fake government employees&quoute;, Reuters, Sep 4, 2013 http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/04/us-gabon-corruption-idUSBRE98317Q20130904
- &quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: While the Guardian article notes the efforts of the State Prosecutor in tackling the issue of ghost civil servants, there is some question around the independence of this institution. See: http://gabonreview.com/blog/sidonie-flore-ouwe-trouble-lordre-public/ and http://en.starafrica.com/news/gabon-opposition-leader-dares-prosecutor-249166.html.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

19.
score
0

Are the policies, administration, and budgets of the intelligence services subject to effective, properly resourced, and independent oversight?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence exists to support that there is any oversight on intelligence services. The media source linked to above explains who are the &quoute;President's guys&quoute; and how they are positioned within the ruling network. In the comments, one of them (http://gabonreview.com/blog/les-hommes-du-president-et-le-principe-de-precaution/#comment-44134) details the intimidation practices allegedly conducted by the intelligence services. These include harassment, and the prevention of public servants' children to attend better schools, among others.

I have not been able to even identify a mention describing the existence of oversight services over the intelligence service's policies, administrations or budgets. There is another report (behind a paywall), that supposedly explains how Ali Bongo purges the &quoute;secret services&quoute; from those having remained faithful to his father's legacy. The intelligence services seems thus dominated by the President himself (and possibly, by carefully selected advisors and members of the government).

Lastly, neither external nor internal control report has been identified hinting to such oversight activities. I have thus selected a score of 0.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;Les hommes du président et le «principe de précaution»&quoute;, Gabon Review, 12 Feb 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/les-hommes-du-president-et-le-principe-de-precaution/
- &quoute;Comment Ali purge les services secrets&quoute;, African Intelligence, 24 Mar 2011 http://www.africaintelligence.fr/LC-/pouvoirs-et-reseaux/politique/2011/03/24/comment-ali-purge-les-services-secrets,88850315-ART

All links accessed 16 Feb 2015

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

20.
score
1

Are senior positions within the intelligence services filled on the basis of objective selection criteria, and are appointees subject to investigation of their suitability and prior conduct?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence was identified to illustrate how senior officials are selected. The media report linked above (behind a paywall) supposedly explains how Ali Bongo purges the &quoute;secret services&quoute; from those having remained faithful to his father's legacy. The intelligence services seems thus dominated by the President himself (and possibly, by carefully selected advisors and members of the government). I have thus preferred to select a score of 1 and indicate that the criteria for selection are unclear rather than err by extrapolation.


Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Is there evidence that senior positions within the intelligence services are filled on the basis of objective selection criteria? Information on recruitment for senior intelligence service posts should be available on the service’s website, or on other government websites.
Is there evidence that candidates are subject to a full investigation of their suitability?
Is there evidence to suggest there is opportunity for intervention by third parties or that impartiality may be an issue? This can be gleaned from an analysis of news articles on recent appointments to the service.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media:
- &quoute;Comment Ali purge les services secrets&quoute;, African Intelligence, 24 Mar 2011 http://www.africaintelligence.fr/LC-/pouvoirs-et-reseaux/politique/2011/03/24/comment-ali-purge-les-services-secrets,88850315-ART
(accessed 16 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

21.
score
1

Does the government have a well-scrutinised process for arms export decisions that aligns with international protocols, particularly the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon voted for the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty and signed it on 25th September 2013, but has not yet ratified the ATT.

No information was identified in SIPRI's database showing that Gabon exports arms, although it is not popularly known as an arms supplier. Queries to the different PRIO.org databases returned no result either.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013
- ATT, http://armstreaty.org/issue/tracking-the-universalisation-of-the-att/, 2013

Media sources:
N/A

Research:
- SIPRI Arm transfers database http://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers

All links accessed 11 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: It is always possible for Gabon to function as a smuggling corridor for illicit arms exports. Given its regional neighbours insecurity and Gabon's own corruption problems, a black market arms smuggling trade is not impossible.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

Risk management 60
22.
score
0

How effective are controls over the disposal of assets, and is information on these disposals, and the proceeds of their sale, transparent?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is limited to no publicly accessible information on the way assets are handled (for ex., the media report from 2013 relates very high-level info on the claimed 2014 budget but nothing else).

The way the public powers including the army as well as the family of Gabon's President actually acquire land is better documented. The process is referred to as &quoute;déguerpissement&quoute; in French (I was not able to identify English-language literature on this topic) and describes the process of forcibly expropriating entire families, districts and even villages. The research piece linked to above explores the way such practice restructures the public space in Gabon's capital city of Libreville; the Gabon Review news report tells how President Bongo's mother has personally threatened and given ultimatums to families in a Libreville district; she is always accompanied by army personnel when doing so.

Lastly, I have not been able to identify speculations re: asset management, in the media. Most possibly, the topic is not discussed at all.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013

Media sources:
- &quoute;Port-Gentil : Descente musclée de Patience Dabany sur des titres fonciers problématiques&quoute;, Gabon Review, 23 Sept 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/port-gentil-descente-musclee-patience-dabany-titres-fonciers-problematiques/
- &quoute;Gabon : les paramètres du budget de 3335,8 milliards FCFA pour l’année 2014&quoute;, Agence Ecofin, 17 Oct 2013 http://www.agenceecofin.com/gestion-publique/1710-14297-gabon-les-parametres-du-budget-de-3335-8-milliards-fcfa-pour-l-annee-2014

Research:
- &quoute;Politique de déguerpissement et processus de restructuration des territoires de Libreville [Gabon]&quoute;, Rano-Michel NGUEMA, Oct 2014, revues.org http://espacepolitique.revues.org/3014

(All links accessed 11 Sept 2014 & 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

23.
score
0

Is independent and transparent scrutiny of asset disposals conducted by defence establishments, and are the reports of such scrutiny publicly available?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no mention of supervision or oversight of any sort on the Defence Ministry and the Parliament's websites. The Parliament has a Commission, entitled &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; (Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and National Defence&quoute;) but no information on its deeds is available.

The State Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes), which is a sub-entity related to the Supreme Court, does not publish or make available in any way any examination of asset disposals.

As mentioned in the previous indicator, media reports speculating or addressing this topic were not identified. It is likely they do not discuss assets at all.

PEER REVIEWERS - If possible, please provide information regarding existing oversight controls over asset disposals and whether the results of these are published? Information from civil society organisations or NGOs would be incredibly useful here.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, 2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, Homepage

(all links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

Media sources:
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

24.
score
0

What percentage of defence and security expenditure in the budget year is dedicated to spending on secret items relating to national security and the intelligence services?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: This percentage is not available to the public. Media sources in Gabon rarely discuss defence budget matters (and when they do, they strictly stick to numbers provided from the government). In such cases (such as the media report linked to above), the information on the claimed 2014 budget remains very high-level but there is no opinion or speculation beyond what was provided by the authorities. No report was found which even mentioned spending on secret items.

COMMENTS -+

N/A

Media:
- &quoute;Gabon : les paramètres du budget de 3335,8 milliards FCFA pour l’année 2014&quoute;, Agence Ecofin, 17 Oct 2013 http://www.agenceecofin.com/gestion-publique/1710-14297-gabon-les-parametres-du-budget-de-3335-8-milliards-fcfa-pour-l-annee-2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Budget indicators can be sourced from premium military ORBAT services such as Military Balance and World Armies, but will not be directly from Gabon nor 100% accurate.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

25.
score
0

Is the legislature (or the appropriate legislative committee or members of the legislature) given full information for the budget year on the spending of all secret items relating to national security and military intelligence?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Parliament has a Commission, entitled &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; (Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and National Defence&quoute;) but there is no available information regarding their work.

The legislature does not seem to be provided with any information whatsoever on spending on defence/security, let alone secret items. No alternative reports (from media or civil society) were found which even mentioned secret items spending.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, 2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, Homepage

(all links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

Media sources:
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: I have reservations about claiming that the legislature is provided with no information, when a parliamentary committee exists on National defence which could plausibly receive such details. That said, none of the possible answers fit this criteria so I suggest it be categorized N/A.

Suggested score: N/A

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

26.
score
0

Are audit reports of the annual accounts of the security sector (the military, police, and intelligence services) and other secret programs provided to the legislature (or relevant committee) and are they subsequently subject to parliamentary debate?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no mention of supervision or oversight of any sort on the Defence Ministry and the Parliament's websites. The Parliament does have a Commission,entitled &quoute;Commissions des Affaires Etrangères, de la Coopération Internationale et de la Défense Nationale&quoute; (Commission for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and National Defence&quoute;) but it does not make records of its work publicly available .

The State Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes) is a subentity related to the Supreme Court and tasked with governmental oversight; however none of its reports mention &quoute;defence&quoute; or defence-related expenditure. Offset spending is not published or communicated in any way.

The legislature does not seem to be provided with any information whatsoever on audit reports on defence/security spending, let alone secret items. I was not able to identify any evidence that such audit reports exist at all.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:Are legislators provided with audit reports related to the security sector and other secret programs?
If so:
What is the level of detail of these reports? Is there evidence that there are omissions?
Is there evidence that these reports are subject to parliamentary consideration and debate? If so, is such debate comprehensive or limited?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/, 2013
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76, Homepage

(all links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

Media sources:
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

27.
score
0

Off-budget military expenditures are those that are not formally authorised within a country's official defence budget, often considered to operate through the 'back-door'. In law, are off-budget military expenditures permitted, and if so, are they exceptional occurrences that are well-controlled?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: I was not able to identify any legal provision authorising or prohibiting off-budget expenditure. Yet it is actually performed as illustrated by SIPRI research: all the military expenditure figures for Gabon they have (which are also used by the World Bank) &quoute;exclude off budget spending financed by the Provisions pour Investissements Hydrocarbures (PIH), an investment fund based on tax revenues from foreign oil companies active in Gabon. The figures for 2007 are highly uncertain.&quoute; The role of the PIH here is extremely murky; SIPRI's mention is the only one I identified where PIH and off-budget military expenditure are linked.

The media reports above only speak about amendments to the energy sector. It is therefore unclear how exactly PIH relates to off-budget military expenditure. Overall, off-budget military expenditures are not reported on.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Is off-budget military expenditure legally permitted?
If so:
Are they permitted in exceptional occurrences that are well-controlled? For example, military involvement in natural disaster relief efforts.
Are any of the expenditures permitted classified as state secrets? If so, is this classification done through adequate and well-established legal processes?
Are off-budget expenditures recorded in the respective budgets? Please comment on the detail of such recording.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Military expenditure, World Bank http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS, 2014

Media reports:
- &quoute;Nouveau Code des hydrocarbures: Qu'est-ce qui change?&quoute;, Gabon Eco, 31 Jul 2014 http://www.gaboneco.com/nouvelles_africaines_33274.html
- &quoute;Communiqué final du conseil des ministres du 29 janvier 2015&quoute;, Gabon Actu, 30 Jan 2015 http://www.gabonactu.com/2015/01/communique-final-du-conseil-des-ministres-du-29-janvier-2015/

Research:
- SIPRI military expenditure http://portal.sipri.org/publications/pages/expenditures/splash-expenditures, 2012 (direct link to Gabon data does not seem easy to provide due to SIPRI's website architecture; keywords for the query were 'Gabon', between 2000 and 2015)

(All links accessed 18 Sept 2014 and 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Off-budget expenditures could plausibly be conducted in Gabon. This is due to the presence of Republican Guard and Recce/Special Operations Forces, who often possess discretionary budgets that are considered ad hoc and classified. This is a common practice in many African militaries and would not be unusual in Gabon's obscured defence procurement context.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

28.
score
2

In practice, are there any off-budget military expenditures? If so, does evidence suggest this involves illicit economic activity?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Off-budget military expenditure seems to exist as illustrated by SIPRI research: all the military expenditure figures for Gabon they have (which are also used by the World Bank) &quoute;exclude off budget spending financed by the Provisions pour Investissements Hydrocarbures (PIH), an investment fund based on tax revenues from foreign oil companies active in Gabon. The figures for 2007 are highly uncertain.&quoute;

The role of the PIH here is extremely murky; SIPRI's mention is the only one I identified where PIH and off-budget military expenditure are linked. The media reports above only speak about amendments to the energy sector. It is therefore unclear how exactly PIH relates to off-budget military expenditure.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
In practice, are there any off-budget military expenditures?
If so, what is the evidence relating to the extent of this phenomenon? Are they widely practiced or few or is their extent unclear?
Is there evidence that such expenditures only involve licit economic activity or is there any evidence that suggests this involves illicit economic activity?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Military expenditure, World Bank http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS, 2013

Research:
- SIPRI military expenditure http://portal.sipri.org/publications/pages/expenditures/splash-expenditures, 2012 (direct link to Gabon data does not seem easy to provide due to SIPRI's website architecture; keywords for the query were 'Gabon', between 2000 and 2015)

All links accessed 18 Sept 2014.

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

29.
score
0

In law, are there provisions regulating mechanisms for classifying information on the grounds of protecting national security, and, if so, are they subject to effective scrutiny?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No legal provisions were identified. Gabon does not have an access to information law. Yet, a recently signed defence treaty between France and Gabon specifies (Art. 17) that classified information will be exchanged between them. This therefore suggests that classified information exists in Gabon, but it is not available easily to the Gabonese people.

Given how strongly the President and his close circle control the defence and security sector, I have assumed that information is classified at their discretion.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- &quoute;Décret n° 2014-614 du 12 juin 2014 portant publication du traité instituant un partenariat de défense entre la République française et la République gabonaise (ensemble une annexe), signé à Libreville le 24 février 2010&quoute; http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000029074841&categorieLien=id (accessed 20 Feb 2015)

Media sources:
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

30.
score
0

Do national defence and security institutions have beneficial ownership of commercial businesses? If so, how transparent are details of the operations and finances of such businesses?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The political establishment and the Bongo family are known for their pervasiveness in business and close ties to French state elites and businesses.

There does not seem to be a law that prohibits military personnel participation in enterprises. As corruption and personal enrichment are known to be common practice among the Bongo family and their close collaborators, the idea of their profiting from such defence-related lucrative activities seems straightforward.

For example, the media report linked to above briefly outlines the activities of two of the closest advisers to the current Gabonese President -- who were also serving his father and are in parallel involved in a wide range of business activities.

The Gabon Review piece linked to above elaborates on new members of the govt appointed in Jan 2014. The focus is on the Ministers of Defence and Interior as well as on the Deputy Minister of Interior. The Defence Minister is Ali Bongo's cousin and has been his personal advisors twice before Ali Bongo became president. The Interior Minister is also a very close collaborator to the President Bongo, and the Deputy Interior Minister is known as a favourite business partner to Bongo.

The Libé piece is again on the same big investigation on real estate properties of the Bongo family in France. The purchases are reported to have been a way to launder corrupt gains.

Overall, these businesses are not publicly declared and are wholly non-transparent.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Do national defence and security institutions have beneficial ownership of commercial businesses?
If so:
What is the extent of this ownership? Is the ownership equivalent to 1 % of the defence budget or less?
Are these businesses publicly declared?
Are details of their operations and finances transparent, fully disclosed and with standards of governance equivalent to publicly owned commercial enterprises?
If there is no available information, is there evidence or is it known that national defence and security institutions have ownership of commercial businesses?
Are defence and security institutions removed such ownership in legislation

COMMENTS -+

Media sources:
- &quoute;Essonghé-Lemboumba, Les deux conseillers de Bongo&quoute;, Jeune Afrique, 9 Jan 2013 http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Articles/Dossier/JA2711p032-033.xml2/gabon-conseiller-ali-bongo-ondimba-homme-d-affairesessonghe-lemboumba-les-deux-conseillers.html (taken from &quoute;The 50 who make Gabon&quoute;, http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Articles/Dossier/JA2711p026_027.xml0/gabon-classement-ali-bongo-ondimba-artisteles-50-qui-font-le-gabon.html)

- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/
-www.liberation.fr/monde/2013/03/08/le-gabon-dement-qu-ali-bongo-detienne-des-biens-en-france_887218

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: I have seen no evidence of Gabonese national defence and security institutions holding beneficial ownership of commercial businesses. If such ownership exists, it is highly unlikely to be documented in the public domain.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

31.
score
0

Are military-owned businesses subject to transparent independent scrutiny at a recognised international standard?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The political establishment and the Bongo family are known for their pervasiveness in business and close ties to French state elites and businesses. There does not seem to be a law that prohibits military personnel participation in enterprises. As corruption and personal enrichment are known to be traditional business of the Bongo family and their close collaborators, thus them profiting from such defence-related lucrative activities seems straightforward. (See sources provided above and explanations in question #30).

The Bongo family is thus known for having business interests which profit from the country. Only one of these reports quote defence-related purchases: an AFP newsbrief republished on Gabon Libre website, elaborates on a document published by the US Senate on 5 Feb 2010 which indicates that the former President, Omar Bongo, and his son, Ali, then Minister of Defence, have spent 18 millions USD on a lobbyist, Jeffrey Birrell. The aim was to purchase six armoured vehicles and six military planes C-130. The backstory is unclear but this seems to be one of the rare mentions of defence-related activities of the Bongo establishment.

Overall, positions within the highest levels of the ruling establishment in Gabon seem quite flexible; it is thus unclear who owns defence/military related business as businesses are not publicly declared and are wholly non-transparent. No evidence was identified that any scrutiny over such businesses exists; even the investigation led by France (into properties acquired with corruption money on French territory) seems to have stalled and has never been explicitly linked to corruption anyway.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;Essonghé-Lemboumba, Les deux conseillers de Bongo&quoute;, Jeune Afrique, 9 Jan 2013 http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Articles/Dossier/JA2711p032-033.xml2/gabon-conseiller-ali-bongo-ondimba-homme-d-affairesessonghe-lemboumba-les-deux-conseillers.html (taken from &quoute;The 50 who make Gabon&quoute;, http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Articles/Dossier/JA2711p026_027.xml0/gabon-classement-ali-bongo-ondimba-artisteles-50-qui-font-le-gabon.html)
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/
- &quoute;Intrigue immobilière au sein du clan Bongo Ondimba&quoute;, Gabon Review, 25 Jan 2013, http://gabonreview.com/blog/intrigue-immobiliere-au-sein-du-clan-bongo-ondimba/
- &quoute;Omar Bongo, Elf et la France : le pacte de corruption&quoute;, Rue89, 15 Jun 2009 http://rue89.nouvelobs.com/2009/06/15/omar-bongo-elf-et-la-france-le-pacte-de-corruption (tells the story of one of the biggest corruption scheme of the Françafrique)
- &quoute;Gabon’s Bongo Family: Living In Luxury, Paid For By Corruption And Embezzlement&quoute;, IBTimes, 15 Feb 2013 http://www.ibtimes.com/gabons-bongo-family-living-luxury-paid-corruption-embezzlement-1088930
- &quoute;Gabon : ALI BONGO : accusé de corruption et blanchiment d’argent selon le rapport du congrès américain.&quoute;, Gabon Libre, 6 Feb 2010 http://www.gabonlibre.com/Gabon-ALI-BONGO-accuse-de-corruption-et-blanchiment-d-argent-selon-le-rapport-du-congres-americain_a2897.html (an AFP newsbrief)

Others:
N/A

All links accessed 18 Sept 2014 and 20 Feb 2015.

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

32.
score
0

Is there evidence of unauthorised private enterprise by military or other defence ministry employees? If so, what is the government's reaction to such enterprise?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The political establishment and the Bongo family are known for their being heavily involved in both the military and commercial enterprises, and have close ties to French state elites and businesses. There does not seem to be a law that explicitly prohibits military personnel from participation in enterprise. As the Bongo family and their close collaborators are under investigation for corruption and personal enrichment, there is a risk that the political elite may also profit from defence-related corruption (See sources provided above and explanations in questions #30-31).

The Libé piece is again on the same big investigation on real estate properties of the Bongo family in France. The purchases are reported to been acquired with corruption money (the purchases have reportedly mainly been performed under Ali's father rule, Omar).

Overall, positions within the highest levels of the ruling establishment in Gabon seem quite flexible; it is thus unclear who owns defence/military related business as businesses and individual business activities by the Bongo family and close circle are not publicly declared and are wholly non-transparent, with no evidence suggesting that these are subject to oversight. No mention whatsoever has been identified regarding sanctions by the government, which, given the deep involvement of high-level politicians in such illicit activities, seems highly unlikely.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Is private enterprise legally permitted? If so, it is well regulated and controlled? Is there evidence that the government itself may profit from it?
If there is no legislation or policy in relation to this, is there any indication that the government at least publicly discourages it? Is there evidence that the government itself may profit from it?
If it is legally disallowed, are there sanctions in place to deal with offenders? Are the penalties strong or weak? Is there evidence that these sanctions are consistently enforced

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;Essonghé-Lemboumba, Les deux conseillers de Bongo&quoute;, Jeune Afrique, 9 Jan 2013 http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Articles/Dossier/JA2711p032-033.xml2/gabon-conseiller-ali-bongo-ondimba-homme-d-affairesessonghe-lemboumba-les-deux-conseillers.html (taken from &quoute;The 50 who make Gabon&quoute;, http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Articles/Dossier/JA2711p026_027.xml0/gabon-classement-ali-bongo-ondimba-artisteles-50-qui-font-le-gabon.html)
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/
- &quoute;Intrigue immobilière au sein du clan Bongo Ondimba&quoute;, Gabon Review, 25 Jan 2013, http://gabonreview.com/blog/intrigue-immobiliere-au-sein-du-clan-bongo-ondimba/
- &quoute;Omar Bongo, Elf et la France : le pacte de corruption&quoute;, Rue89, 15 Jun 2009 http://rue89.nouvelobs.com/2009/06/15/omar-bongo-elf-et-la-france-le-pacte-de-corruption (tells the story of one of the biggest corruption scheme of the Françafrique)
- &quoute;Gabon’s Bongo Family: Living In Luxury, Paid For By Corruption And Embezzlement&quoute;, IBTimes, 15 Feb 2013 http://www.ibtimes.com/gabons-bongo-family-living-luxury-paid-corruption-embezzlement-1088930
- &quoute;Gabon : ALI BONGO : accusé de corruption et blanchiment d’argent selon le rapport du congrès américain.&quoute;, Gabon Libre, 6 Feb 2010 http://www.gabonlibre.com/Gabon-ALI-BONGO-accuse-de-corruption-et-blanchiment-d-argent-selon-le-rapport-du-congres-americain_a2897.html (an AFP newsbrief)
www.liberation.fr/monde/2013/03/08/le-gabon-dement-qu-ali-bongo-detienne-des-biens-en-france_887218

Others:
N/A

All links accessed 18 Sept 2014 and 20 Feb 2015.

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

Policies & codes 90
34.
score
0

Do the Defence Ministry, Defence Minister, Chiefs of Defence, and Single Service Chiefs publicly commit - through, for example, speeches, media interviews, or political mandates - to anti-corruption and integrity measures?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The President has committed to such measures, especially after the publication of a UNDP-supported anti-corruption initiative several months ago. Yet, the initiative makes no mention of defence/security activities as possible targets for the anti-corruption measures; there is little to no evidence that defence officials even speak to the media about their work. There is no evidence that any such commitments are made by senior ministry of defence or armed forces staff either.

The Gabon Review piece from 29 Jan 2014 (linked to above) elaborates on new members of the government appointed in Jan 2014. The focus is on the Ministers of Defence and Interior as well as on the Deputy Minister of Interior. The Defence Minister is Ali Bongo's cousin and served as his personal advisor twice before Ali Bongo became President. The Interior Minister is also a very close collaborator to the President, while the Deputy Interior Minister is also one of his favourite business partners.

These personalities have not been identified as publicly engaging in the fight against corruption (see for ex. the Gabon Review report from 16 Apr 2014 full of quotes by the Defence Minister). Quite the contrary: given the close ties between the political establishment and the parallel, non-transparent business activities they are involved while holding office, commitment by senior political figures seems unlikely.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- &quoute;Projet d'appui à la commission nationale contre l’enrichissement illicite (CNLCEI) et l’agence nationale d’investigation financière (ANIF)&quoute;, UNDP, undated http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/operations/projects/democratic_governance/projet-d-appui-a-la-commission-nationale-contre-lenrichissement-/
- &quoute;Stratégie Nationale de Lutte Contre la Corruption et le Blanchiment des Capitaux&quoute;, UNDP, 18 Dec 2013 http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/library/democratic_governance/SNLCCBC_GouvDem2013/

Media reports:
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/
- &quoute;La tournée des popotes du ministre de la Défense nationale&quoute;, Gabon Review, 16 Apr 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/la-tournee-des-popotes-du-ministre-de-la-defence-nationale/

(All links accessed 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

35.
score
0

Are there effective measures in place for personnel found to have taken part in forms of bribery and corruption, and is there public evidence that these measures are being carried out?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon has, with input from the UNDP, composed a national strategy for the fight against corruption (full text linked to in the &quoute;Sources&quoute; section). However, it does not contain any provisions that specifically target the defence sector, and no such measures were identified for the examination period.

In its 2013 edition of the Gabon Human Rights report, the US State Dept notes: &quoute;Some police were inefficient and corrupt. Security force members sought bribes to supplement their salaries, often while stopping vehicles at legal roadblocks to check vehicle registration and identity papers. In 2011 the Minister of the Interior implemented an internal sanctions system meant to combat such extortion. Police officers were required to wear a badge with an identity number to aid citizens seeking to report extortion attempts. Those measures reportedly reduced the frequency and severity of petty corruption among police.&quoute;

This suggests thus that some sort of retaliation happens internally against corrupt policemen. Yet as outlined by the media report above, &quoute;the police, the judiciary and the army are the main sources of insecurity for the Gabonese.&quoute; The piece discusses grave violations by these, including corruption but reaching far beyond (theft, assault, extortion). This media report is more recent than the Gabon Human Rights report and points towards a situation where, despite declared decrease of corruption-related actions by security personnel, these still occur to an extent that damages the country.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Are there formal disciplinary sanctions in place for personnel found to have taken part in forms of bribery and corruption? Do they include dismissal and prosecution? If not, are there informal measures in place?
Is there public evidence that these measures are being carried out?
Is there evidence these measures are applied consistently/effectively?
Is there any evidence that action has not been taken against personnel despite evidence of bribery and corruption?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- &quoute;Projet d'appui à la commission nationale contre l’enrichissement illicite (CNLCEI) et l’agence nationale d’investigation financière (ANIF)&quoute;, UNDP, undated http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/operations/projects/democratic_governance/projet-d-appui-a-la-commission-nationale-contre-lenrichissement-/
- &quoute;Stratégie Nationale de Lutte Contre la Corruption et le Blanchiment des Capitaux&quoute;, UNDP, 18 Dec 2013 http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/library/democratic_governance/SNLCCBC_GouvDem2013/
- Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013 www.state.gov/documents/organization/220326.pdf

Media sources:
- &quoute;La police, la justice et l’armée sources d’insécurité&quoute;, Gabon Review, 7 Jan 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/la-police-la-justice-et-larmee-sources-dinsecurite/

(All links accessed 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

36.
score
0

Is whistleblowing encouraged by the government, and are whistle-blowers in military and defence ministries afforded adequate protection from reprisal for reporting evidence of corruption, in both law and practice?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: According to the Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013: &quoute;The law provides whistleblower protection to some categories of public employees, such as magistrates, parliamentarians, and diplomats. There are restrictions on taking legal action against and dismissal of persons in these positions for criticizing the government or revealing government fraud or waste. The government reportedly did not implement the law effectively to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.&quoute; (see the press release by Survie linked above).

In addition, a website, AfriLeaks, has been launched offering protection to those from African countries (incl. Gabon) who would be willing to release corruption-related documents but fear retaliation if they did. No whistleblower protection legislation exists in Gabon that covers the defence and security sector.

According to the Guardian article, &quoute;Minsta, who in 2010 won Transparency International's Integrity award, says he lost his job as a civil servant when he began campaigning against corruption in Gabon.&quoute;




Reviewers: In Q35 the CA states, &quoute; In its 2013 edition of the Gabon Human Rights report, the US State Dept notes: &quoute;Some police were inefficient and corrupt. Security force members sought bribes to supplement their salaries, often while stopping vehicles at legal roadblocks to check vehicle registration and identity papers. In 2011 the Minister of the Interior implemented an internal sanctions system meant to combat such extortion. Police officers were required to wear a badge with an identity number to aid citizens seeking to report extortion attempts. Those measures reportedly reduced the frequency and severity of petty corruption among police.&quoute;
-Is this relevant to this question, were they reported via a whistleblower mechanism? are you able to provide a source for the law the CA refers to?


Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Is there legislation relating to whistleblowing which is applicable to military and official personnel? Does this include protection for whistleblowers?
Is there evidence that institutionalised mechanisms are in place to facilitate reporting of corruption by personnel?
In practice, are the legislation and mechanisms implemented? What is the evidence in relation to their effectiveness?
Is there any other evidence to suggest whistleblowing is encouraged or taken seriously by the government?
Is there evidence to suggest there is little trust amongst officials and personnel that they would be provided adequate protection if they reported corrupt activity?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013 www.state.gov/documents/organization/220326.pdf

Others:
- &quoute;Les immunités parlementaires au Gabon&quoute;, Télesphore Ondo, éd. Harmattan (undated)
http://www.editions-harmattan.fr/auteurs/article_pop.asp?no=19619&no_artiste=15361
- &quoute;Gabon : les ONG dénoncent la condamnation du militant Marc Ona&quoute;, 29 Mar 2013 http://survie.org/francafrique/gabon/article/gabon-les-ong-denoncent-la-4432 (a joint press release by Survie, Transparency Int'l France denouncing retaliation against Marc Ona, anti-corruption activist and founder of Gabonese initiative 'Publish What You Pay')
- AfriLeaks initiative https://afrileaks.org/
-&quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries

(Links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

37.
score
0

Is special attention paid to the selection, time in post, and oversight of personnel in sensitive positions, including officials and personnel in defence procurement, contracting, financial management, and commercial management?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no evidence that special attention is paid to personnel in sensitive positions. The case of 3,000 beneficiaries holding no official state jobs in Gabon in September 2013 highlights weaknesses in this topic. Furthermore, no publicly available information was identified regarding procedures applicable to the nomination of intelligence personnel.

Regarding officials in the defence and security sector, the Gabon Review piece referenced above elaborates on new members of the government appointed in January 2014. The focus is on the Ministers of Defence and Interior as well as on the Deputy Minister of Interior, all of whom were very close to Ali Bongo through family ties, previous collaborations and business partnerships respectively before being appointed to office - clear signs that they were hand-picked for their roles due to their previous personal relationships to the President.

Finally, Interviewee 1 confirmed that positions are given to people who have &quoute;privileged relationships with the President and his friends in power&quoute;.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:

Is there evidence that there is recognition by the government that certain positions may be more open to corruption opportunities than others? Are such positions openly declared? This can include officials and personnel in defence procurement, contracting, financial management, and commercial management
Are there rules of conduct associated with such positions? Do they relate to the selection, time in post, and oversight of personnel? Are they made public?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/
- &quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries

(All links accessed 18 Sept 2014 and 20 Feb 2015)


Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee 1 (NGO volunteer in Libreville), Feb 2015

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

38.
score
0

Is the number of civilian and military personnel accurately known and publicly available?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There are no official sources on the number of civilian and military personnel. Information is available either on defenceWeb or on Wikipedia, but no source is indicated in these factsheets and the numbers they introduce are not always consistent with one another. No information is given on the Ministry of Defence website.

Figures from defenceWeb are below:
-Army: 3 100
-Army Light Aviation: 250
-Air Force: 600
-Navy: 500
-Paramilitary: 2 000

Figures from Wikipedia: &quoute;about 5,000 personnel, divided into army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and national police&quoute;. No paramilitary is mentioned here. Additionally, no breakdown of forces is provided, making cross-comparison checks impossible.

Lastly, the CIA Factbook entry for Gabon does not provide any detail whatsoever on the country's military (or civilian) personnel.

Reviewers: Could you comment :

Is the investigation -&quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries - relevant to mention and consider for the score here?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- CIA Factbook, Gabon https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gb.html

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon military&quoute;, defence Web, 24 May 2013 http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30617:gabon-military&catid=119:african-militaries&Itemid=255

Others:
- Military of Gabon, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_Gabon

(all links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Given this article: http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries it is possible that there may be inaccuracies on the number of reported personnel in the military and defence establishment.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: ORBAT information provided by Defenceweb and Wikipedia are often based on outdated and misguided sources, but become widely referenced. More accurate, but by no means 100% correct sources could be sourced from the paid service of IHS Janes' World Armies encyclopedias.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

39.
score
0

Are pay rates and allowances for civilian and military personnel openly published?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon's army is a professional one, and yet there are no official sources on pay-rates and allowances. No information is given on the Ministry of Defence website, and no media reports were identified discussing related numbers either.

Reviewers - Is the investigation -&quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries - relevant to mention and consider for the score here?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/

Media sources:
N/A

(all links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: I agree with the score and note that this source: &quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries underlines the lack of oversight regarding public sector salaries.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

40.
score
1

Do personnel receive the correct pay on time, and is the system of payment well-established, routine, and published?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no publicly available information that discusses systems of payment and how well they operate. However, there is evidence which suggests that it is not hugely reliable - the recent scandal regarding 3,000 ghost civil servants (see cited article) is indicative that &quoute;ghost employees&quoute; may also occur in the defence sector. The score of 1 is based on a lack of transparency surrounding payments, and the likelihood that there are weaknesses within this system.

COMMENTS -+

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries (accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

41.
score
0

Is there an established, independent, transparent, and objective appointment system for the selection of military personnel at middle and top management level?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no public evidence that such system exists, and it seems unlikely that this is the case.. As outlined by the media report above, &quoute;the police, the judiciary and the army are the main sources of insecurity for the Gabonese.&quoute; The piece discusses grave violations by these, including corruption but reaching far beyond (theft, assault, extortion).

As reported by media (see Gabon Review piece from 29 Jan 2014), the President personally selects high-ranking figures. President Ali Bongo seems to not have changed the proceedings from his father's time presidency, as outlined in the Jeune Afrique piece. It appears that nominations are done by the President and/or his close circle with no hint of a standardised procedure. Also, as discussed before, nominations in the government are quite arbitrary, too: for example, until September 15, the Minister of Education was Léon Nzouba, a medic and a military (see media source 4); he was sacked by the President but the media reports do not cite any reason for the sacking.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;La police, la justice et l’armée sources d’insécurité&quoute;, Gabon Review, 7 Jan 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/la-police-la-justice-et-larmee-sources-dinsecurite/ (accessed 18 Sept 2014)
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/ (accessed 20 Feb 2015)
- &quoute;Bongo Ondimba opère d’importantes nominations dans l’armée&quoute;, Jeune Afrique, 1 Dec 2008 http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/DEPAPA81992/ (accessed 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: It might be worth noting that, although senior and general officer ranks are primarily political appointments, those service in the lower-senior (Major - Colonel equivalent) and upper junior officer (1st Lieutenant to Captain equivalent) ranks would just as likely be subject to actual merit and proimotions criteria within the military, which in turn would have been informed, if not directly copied from, the French military.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

42.
score
0

Are personnel promoted through an objective, meritocratic process? Such a process would include promotion boards outside of the command chain, strong formal appraisal processes, and independent oversight.

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence was found which identified systems of promotion boards, independent oversight or formal appraisal processes involved with promotion. BAsed on current evidence it seems unlikely that such systems do exist.

As reported by media (see Gabon Review piece from 29 Jan 2014), the President personally selects high-ranking figures, and has hand-picked ministers who had previously held close personal relationships with him. President Ali Bongo seems to not have changed the proceedings from his father's time presidency, as outlined in the Jeune Afrique piece. It appears that nominations are done by the President and/or his close circle, far from a meritocratic or objective process.

Nominations in the government are quite arbitrary, too: for example, until September 15, the Minister of Education was Léon Nzouba, a medic and a military (see media source 4); he was sacked by the President but the media reports do not cite any reason for the sacking.


Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Is there evidence of formal appraisal processes for personnel promotions? Are these publicly declared? Please comment on their strength.
Is there evidence of promotions boards for personnel promotions? Are they publicly declared? Are they outside of the command chain?
Is there evidence of independent oversight of such processes?
Is there potential for inappropriate conduct in the promotions process? Is there evidence to suggest this occurs?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;Nouveau gouvernement : Ali Bongo reprend la sécurité en mains&quoute;, Gabon Review, 29 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveau-gouvernement-ali-bongo-reprend-la-securite-en-mains/ (accessed 20 Feb 2015)
- &quoute;Bongo Ondimba opère d’importantes nominations dans l’armée&quoute;, Jeune Afrique, 1 Dec 2008 http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/DEPAPA81992/ (accessed 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Note that enlisted personnel and junior ranks would likely not be subject to political appointments and rather a legitimate internal promotions system, likely adapted from the French system.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

43.
score
N/A

Where compulsory conscription occurs, is there a policy of not accepting bribes for avoiding conscription? Are there appropriate procedures in place to deal with such bribery, and are they applied?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon does not practice military conscription, hence the score here is 'not applicable'

COMMENTS -+

CIA World Factbook, accessed 25th February 2015.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2024.html

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

44.
score
N/A

With regard to compulsory or voluntary conscription, is there a policy of refusing bribes to gain preferred postings in the recruitment process? Are there appropriate procedures in place to deal with such bribery, and are they applied?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon has neither compulsory nor voluntary conscription; hence this question is listed as 'N/A'.

In general, efforts are made by the government to bolster military enrolment as a means to fight youth criminality. No evidence was identified any rules exist regarding the fight against bribery in the military. The Aeries Guard piece cited above is extremely sympathetic to the Génie militaire, a branch of the Gabonese defence forces, making it impossible to define internal rules from such testimonials.

Given the pervasiveness of corruption in the country though, one might assume that bribery is widely practised. The recently introduced &quoute;Code of Honour&quoute; for defence and security services mentions faithfulness to the nation and such likes along with &quoute;you should not engage in drug dealing&quoute; but no mention seems to exist regarding bribery.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013 www.state.gov/documents/organization/220326.pdf

Media sources:
- &quoute;Le service militaire pour enrayer la délinquance juvénile&quoute;, Gabon Review, 11 Jan 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/le-service-militaire-pour-enrayer-la-delinquance-juvenile/
- &quoute;Un Code d’honneur pour les agents des forces de défense et de sécurité&quoute;, Gabon Review, 22 Oct 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/un-code-dhonneur-pour-les-agents-des-forces-de-defence-et-de-securite/

Others:
- &quoute;Le Génie militaire du Gabon, c'est GG!&quoute;, Aeries Guard, http://www.aeriesguard.com/Le-Genie-militaire-du-Gabon-c-est-GG, 2014
- CIA World Factbook, Gabon - https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gb.html - (Accessed 25th February 2014)

All other links accessed 18 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

45.
score
2

Is there evidence of 'ghost soldiers', or non-existent soldiers on the payroll?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no available information on how the military is ruled. No publicly available information was identified regarding payroll either, suggesting a lack of enforced accountability in payment systems. The recent scandal regarding 3,000 ghost civil servants (see The Guardian's piece) is however indicative that &quoute;ghost employees&quoute; may also occur in the defence sector, perhaps more within its civilian branch (the military is a professional one, which may suppose that 'ghost soldiers' would quickly be spotted).

Reviewers:

According to the article, &quoute;Gabon is known for its bloated civil service – with 70,000 members in the tiny country of just 1.5 million people. &quoute;About 10 years ago there were 33,000 civil servants,&quoute; said Gregory Mintsa, a former civil servant who works with global anti-corruption coalition Transparency International. &quoute;How it's possible to go from that number to 70,000 in such a short period of time, I don't know.&quoute;

The piece also details that, &quoute;the government says it is taking measures to reform the sector. In 2009, Gabon launched an overhaul of the civil service, firing 800 employees. Last year, President Ali Bongo Ondimba used a trip to London to announce new performance contracts for civil servants, in a further effort to trim the sector.
Gabon estimates there are up to 10,000 fraudulent state employees remaining on the books, costing the nation about $50m every year.&quoute;

While it doesn't specifically mention defence could you comment on how likely it is that these problems also occur in the MoD, and any further evidence on:

Is there evidence of ‘ghost soldiers’, or non-existent soldiers on the payroll?
If so:
Have there been cases of ghost soldiers reported in the past five years?
Is there evidence that steps are being taken to reform payment systems to prevent this phenomenon?
I
Please comment on the strength and transparency of payment systems and associated oversight. On the basis of this, is it likely that the phenomenon could occur or does occur?

COMMENTS -+

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries (accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

46.
score
1

Are chains of command separate from chains of payment?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: This indicator is difficult to grade as publicly accessible information regarding payroll, chains of payment and command were not found.The Gabonese military is also said to be a professional one which implies such separation. Yet the lack of transparency around its functions makes it plausible that the two chains are not supported. At present, we cannot say with certainty what the situation is.


PEER REVIEWERS - Is there any evidence to suggest that procurement can often be opportunistic? More sources for this question would be very helpful.

COMMENTS -+

N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Researcher should be wary not to confuse procurement from the larger aspect of payments in general.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

47.
score
1

Is there a Code of Conduct for all military and civilian personnel that includes, but is not limited to, guidance with respect to bribery, gifts and hospitality, conflicts of interest, and post-separation activities?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no evidence of any Code of Conduct for Defence Ministry personnel which covers conduct with specific respect to corruption, and it is very unlikely that there is one. Corruption is not adequately recognised nor addressed within defence establishments. If there is a Code of Conduct for Defence Personnel, information with respect to its content, transparency, application, and distribution is not made available. The recently introduced &quoute;Code of Honour&quoute; for defence and security services mentions faithfulness to the nation and suchlikes along with &quoute;you should not engage in drug dealing&quoute; but no mention seems to exist regarding bribery. (I was not able to locate the Code of Honour fulltext online)

According to the Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013: &quoute;Some police were inefficient and corrupt. Security force members sought bribes to supplement their salaries, often while stopping vehicles at legal roadblocks to check vehicle registration and identity papers. In 2011 the minister of interior implemented an internal sanctions system meant to combat such extortion. Police officers were required to wear a badge with an identity number to aid citizens seeking to report extortion attempts. Those measures reportedly reduced the frequency and severity of petty corruption among police.&quoute;

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013 www.state.gov/documents/organization/220326.pdf

Media sources:
- &quoute;Un Code d’honneur pour les agents des forces de défense et de sécurité&quoute;, Gabon Review, 22 Oct 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/un-code-dhonneur-pour-les-agents-des-forces-de-defence-et-de-securite/
- &quoute;Gabon : renforcement de la lutte contre la corruption et le détournement des deniers publics&quoute;, Oghooue Infos, 23 Nov 2011 http://www.ogooueinfos.com/index.php?action=voirNews&id=1809 (article from 2011; reports on the partnership initiative between police and the National Commission for the fight of corruption)

All links accessed 18 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

48.
score
2

Is there evidence that breaches of the Code of Conduct are effectively addressed ,and are the results of prosecutions made publicly available?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no evidence of any Code of Conduct for Defence Ministry personnel which covers conduct with specific respect to corruption, and it is very unlikely that there is one. Corruption is not adequately recognised nor addressed within defence establishments. If there is a Code of Conduct for Defence Personnel, information such as its content, transparency, application, and distribution is not made available.

The recently introduced &quoute;Code of Honour&quoute; for defence and security services mentions faithfulness to the nation and suchlikes along with &quoute;you should not engage in drug dealing&quoute; but no mention seems to exist regarding bribery. Although the Code of Honour has been introduced nearly a year ago, there is no evidence it has been applied. (I was not able to locate the Code of Honour fulltext online)

According to the Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013: &quoute;Some police were inefficient and corrupt. Security force members sought bribes to supplement their salaries, often while stopping vehicles at legal roadblocks to check vehicle registration and identity papers. In 2011 the minister of interior implemented an internal sanctions system meant to combat such extortion. Police officers were required to wear a badge with an identity number to aid citizens seeking to report extortion attempts. Those measures reportedly reduced the frequency and severity of petty corruption among police.

On February 16, the chief of police had six police officers arrested for abusing civilians and corruption. On June 19, the chief of police dismissed 11 officers for illicit acts of violence and drug use.&quoute;

Outside the widely reported on case of prosecution of six police employees (in 2012), no recent reports have been identified that publicly report on prosecution of defence and security personnel on the basis of corruption.

Thus, the Code of Conduct seems to exist within police forces but not in the military.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013 www.state.gov/documents/organization/220326.pdf

Media sources:
- &quoute;Un Code d’honneur pour les agents des forces de défense et de sécurité&quoute;, Gabon Review, 22 Oct 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/un-code-dhonneur-pour-les-agents-des-forces-de-defence-et-de-securite/
- &quoute;La triste fin des six «ripoux» de la Police&quoute;, Gabon Review, 24 Feb 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/la-triste-fin-des-six-ripoux-de-la-police/ (report from 2012)

(All links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

49.
score
0

Does regular anti-corruption training take place for military and civilian personnel?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Specific anti-corruption training does not seem to be provided to military, security or civilian personnel.

COMMENTS -+

N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: The lack of evidence of anti-corruption training does not mean that it does not take place. As a result, I disagree that we can assert that by selecting '0'.

Suggested score: N/A

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: The comments require SOME manner of reference or source. Baseless statements without any substantiation are unhelpful.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

50.
score
0

Is there a policy to make public outcomes of the prosecution of defence services personnel for corrupt activities, and is there evidence of effective prosecutions in recent years?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no evidence of prosecution for Defence Ministry personnel focused on charges of corruption. Corruption is not adequately recognised nor addressed within defence establishments - even the recently introduced &quoute;Code of Honour&quoute; for defence and security services mentions faithfulness to the nation, and an anti-drug policy, but does not touch upon the issue of widespread bribery. (I was not able to locate the text of the Code of Honour online)

Outside the widely reported on case of prosecution of six police employees (in 2012), no other reports were found dealing with the prosecution of defence and security personnel on the basis of corruption.

According to the Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013: &quoute;Although the law provides for an independent judiciary, the judiciary was inefficient and remained susceptible to government influence. The president appoints and may dismiss judges through the Ministry of Justice, to which the judiciary was accountable. Corruption was a problem.&quoute; This indicates that defence personnel may enjoy impunity.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013 www.state.gov/documents/organization/220326.pdf

Media sources:
- &quoute;Un Code d’honneur pour les agents des forces de défense et de sécurité&quoute;, Gabon Review, 22 Oct 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/un-code-dhonneur-pour-les-agents-des-forces-de-defence-et-de-securite/
- &quoute;La triste fin des six «ripoux» de la Police&quoute;, Gabon Review, 24 Feb 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/la-triste-fin-des-six-ripoux-de-la-police/ (report from 2012)

(All links accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

51.
score
0

Are there effective measures in place to discourage facilitation payments (which are illegal in almost all countries)?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Facilitation payments do not seem to be discouraged or prohibited. Indeed, the National strategy discusses the limited definition of the current Penal Code provisions on corruption (pp. 11-12 of the Strategy) but there is no publicly available information suggesting that these precise legal frameworks have been amended to include the criminalisation of facilitation payments.

Given the pervasiveness of corruption in Gabon (exemplified in the referenced news articles which discuss the growth of corruption in the country), such payments appear to be common practice.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- &quoute;Stratégie Nationale de Lutte Contre la Corruption et le Blanchiment des Capitaux&quoute;, UNDP, 18 Dec 2013 http://www.ga.undp.org/content/gabon/fr/home/library/democratic_governance/SNLCCBC_GouvDem2013/

Media sources:
- &quoute;Ces gabonais qu’on achète : le poids de la corruption au gabon, qui est le coupable ? &quoute;, Gabon Libre, 7 Nov 2009 http://www.gabonlibre.com/Ces-gabonais-qu-on-achete-le-poids-de-la-corruption-au-gabon-qui-est-le-coupable_a2059.html
- &quoute;Corruption : une gangrène pour le service public&quoute;, Gabon Review, 14 Oct 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/corruption-gangrene-service-public/

All links accessed 20 Feb 2015

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

Training 60
52.
score
0

Do the armed forces have military doctrine addressing corruption as a strategic issue on operations?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No military doctrine was identified. Furthermore, there is no indication that corruption is addressed as a strategic issue on operations.

COMMENTS -+

N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Lack of sources does not indicate that corruption is not addressed. It merely indicates a lack of sources. Therefore, the analysis on this is unfounded (although if inferenced from the indicated corruption pervading Gabon's government it would be a sufficiently-accurate statement, in my view).

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

53.
score
0

Is there training in corruption issues for commanders at all levels in order to ensure that these commanders are clear on the corruption issues they may face during deployment? If so, is there evidence that they apply this knowledge in the field?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence for such training was identified. Corruption in its different flavours plagues all domains of the public sector (see Gabon Review piece).

According to the Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013: &quoute;Although the law provides for an independent judiciary, the judiciary was inefficient and remained susceptible to government influence. The president appoints and may dismiss judges through the Ministry of Justice, to which the judiciary was accountable. Corruption was a problem.&quoute; This indicates that defence personnel may enjoy impunity.

Lastly, as mentioned in previous indicators, no publicly available reports were identified to indicate that corruption is actually acknowledged and addressed in the defence and security sector.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Human Rights report by the US Dept of State for 2013 www.state.gov/documents/organization/220326.pdf

Media sources:
- &quoute;Corruption : une gangrène pour le service public&quoute;, Gabon Review, 14 Oct 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/corruption-gangrene-service-public/

All links accessed 20 Feb 2015

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

54.
score
0

Are trained professionals regularly deployed to monitor corruption risk in the field (whether deployed on operations or peacekeeping missions)?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence was identified that such professionals operate in Gabon, or are deployed alongside military personnel.

The only report mentioning the deployment of security/defence personnel to handle corruption is the one cited, which references an audit showcasing grave misuse of public funds by public sector servants. In this case, President Bongo has asked the gendarmerie to investigate the findings of the audit. Yet, there is no mention of the fact that this investigation includes monitoring corruption risk, nor any details on how the gendarmerie were trained to lead such an investigation. The article itself mentions that, for the gendarmerie to be leading the investigation, the chances are big that President Bongo himself has ordered it. This anecdotal report does not however affect the score to the current indicator as it does not relate to monitoring corruption in the field.

COMMENTS -+

N/A
(Media report from Jeune Afrique: &quoute;Corruption au Gabon : la fin de l'impunité ?&quoute; http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/JA2795p008.xml0/gabon-corruption-ali-bongo-ondimba-jean-fid-le-otandaultcorruption-au-gabon-la-fin-de-l-impunit.html, 4 Aug 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: Although it seems unlikely that Gabon deploys personnel for corruption monitoring, the absence of evidence does not mean that we can say with certainty that there is no such deployment. Therefore, it would be more prudent to select '1'.

Suggested score: 1

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

55.
score
0

Are there guidelines, and staff training, on addressing corruption risks in contracting whilst on deployed operations or peacekeeping missions?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No such operational guidelines were identified. The closest is the recently introduced &quoute;Code of Honour&quoute; for defence and security services, which mentions values such as faithfulness to the nation and promotes abstinence from drugs nevertheless does not mention the problems of bribery. (The code of honour is not available in its full form online).

COMMENTS -+

N/A
(Media sources:
- &quoute;Un Code d’honneur pour les agents des forces de défense et de sécurité&quoute;, Gabon Review, 22 Oct 2013 http://gabonreview.com/blog/un-code-dhonneur-pour-les-agents-des-forces-de-defence-et-de-securite/ accessed 18 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

56.
score
0

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) usually refer to companies that provide operational staff to military environments. They may also be known as security contractors or private security contractors, and refer to themselves as private military corporations, private military firms, private security providers, or military service providers.

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The interviewee confirmed that PMCs are indeed widely employed and he was not aware of any examination of his company's deeds.There were no easily accessible sources which could independently verify these assertions.

PEER REVIEWERS: Could you please comment on how widespread corruption amongst these PMCs is likely to be, and specify how they have been taken up by the relevant authorities? If possible, add relevant sources to the reference section. Many thanks!

COMMENTS -+

Interviews:
- Phone interview with interviewee #3 (French PMC in Libreville; Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: I have not come across any allegations of corruption amongst PMCs in the media or elsewhere online.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Disagree

Comment: A single phone interview is insufficient to establish a general probability of widespread corruption amongst PMCs. Given that the ties with France would encourage French-established PMCs or at the least a European company, the tendency towards corruption is actually less likely, as the repercussions in the PMC's home state would outweigh the freedom from regulation in Gabon itself.

Corruption in PMCs relates specifically to the company in question rather than a generalised claim. Would suggest that none of these criteria apply accurately to the presence of PMCs in Africa in general.

Suggested score: N/A

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

Personnel 50
57.
score
0

Does the country have legislation covering defence and security procurement and are there any items exempt from these laws?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The provisions outlined in the Code for Public Procurement are never identified as applicable to defence procurement; similarly, the Code does not specify any requirement for defence/security companies.

According to the GlObserver piece, a Public Procurement Authority &quoute;is expected to assist the government in setting policy and regulations on public procurement, develop sector training mechanisms, implement independent technical audit procedures, penalise firms that fail to comply with regulation and ensure out-of-court settlement of any disputes arising from public contracts.&quoute;

The agency's website being inaccessible, no evidence regarding rules on defence procurement was identified. Similarly, no evidence regarding exemptions was found. Lastly, no evidence of the activity of the Public Procurement Authority was identified at all, and it is never mentioned in relation to defence procurement anyway.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ (site is severely bugged at the time of research)
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2011

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency

(All links accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

58.
score
0

Is the defence procurement cycle process, from assessment of needs, through contract implementation and sign-off, all the way to asset disposal, disclosed to the public?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Code for Public Procurement does not contain provisions applicable to defence procurement, and it remains unclear whose position that is. The lack of transparency and overall mention of defence contracting by media and various institution communication instances signals a wholly non-transparent defence procurement cycle which may have not been formalised.

The Public Procurement Regulatory Agency's website being inaccessible, no evidence regarding defence procurement was identified. In addition, no reports on procurement cycle were found neither, whether through media, government or through institutions. No evidence was identified of activities by the Public Procurement Authority either.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ (site is severely bugged at the time of research)
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2011

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency (accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

59.
score
0

Are defence procurement oversight mechanisms in place and are these oversight mechanisms active and transparent?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: There is no mention of supervision or oversight of any sort. No information on the official institutions' deeds is available. A State Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes) exists, and is a sub-entity related to the Supreme Court. Yet in none of its attributions one sees a mention of &quoute;defence&quoute; or defence-related expenditure.

According to the the GlObserver piece, the Public Procurement Authority &quoute;is expected to assist the government in setting policy and regulations on public procurement, develop sector training mechanisms, implement independent technical audit procedures, penalise firms that fail to comply with regulation and ensure out-of-court settlement of any disputes arising from public contracts.&quoute;

The agency's website is inaccessible and no publicly accessible report on it was located. Thus, no evidence regarding oversight of defence procurement by Ministerial/Parlementarian/Procurement Authority entities was identified.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ (site is severely bugged at the time of research)
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/
- The MP's role http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/64-le-role-du-depute-a-l-assemblee-nationale/
- State Audit Institution http://www.aisccuf.org/index.php?id=76

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency (accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

60.
score
0

Are actual and potential defence purchases made public?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Purchases are not made public and the amount paid for them is kept undisclosed. No acquisition planning details were identified neither. As per SIPRI data, Gabon does not seem to be a huge arms consumer, but France features as one of the most prominent sellers.

According to the SIPRI's data, since 2012, only two purchases were performed, one from France and one from South Africa. No evidence was identified about a bidding process, and close links with France suggest the procurement is mostly single-sourced as defence agreements between France and Gabon instaure military &quoute;technical and operational cooperation&quoute; as per the agreement. It is quite difficult to cross-check these numbers with summary statistics released by French Ministry of Defence. In addition, no publicly available information was identified in Gabon corresponding to these purchases.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/
- http://armstreaty.org/issue/tracking-the-universalisation-of-the-att/
- La France et le Gabon: overview of diplomatic and defence interactions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/gabon/la-france-et-le-gabon/
- Exportations d'armement de la France - Ministère de la Défense, 1 Aug 2014 http://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defence.gouv.fr%2Fcontent%2Fdownload%2F305481%2F4080807%2Ffile%2FRapport%2520au%2520Parlement%25202014%2520sur%2520les%2520exportations%2520d%255C%2527armement%2520de%2520la%2520France.pdf&ei=Y5LrVIOiHMf5Uv6sgRA&usg=AFQjCNFWfjqILWCwtzl0HmkpifXsloDU7A&sig2=tIEVrDXu_AvnNgizUeIulw&bvm=bv.86475890,d.d24

Media sources:
N/A

Research:
- SIPRI Arm transfers database http://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers

All links accessed 11 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

61.
score
0

What procedures and standards are companies required to have - such as compliance programmes and business conduct programmes - in order to be able to bid for work for the Ministry of Defence or armed forces?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: According to the the GlObserver piece, the Public Procurement Authority &quoute;is expected to assist the government in setting policy and regulations on public procurement, develop sector training mechanisms, implement independent technical audit procedures, penalise firms that fail to comply with regulation and ensure out-of-court settlement of any disputes arising from public contracts.&quoute; The agency's website is inaccessible.

The Code for Public Procurement contains no mention regarding defence/security procurement although other tenders are subject to regulations codified in the Code. The latter has provisions regarding candidates (Chapter 3, Section 1 in general, art. 11 more particularly). Art. 11 indicates that candidates who have been subjects to penal prosecution cannot bid; yet the conflict of interest related restriction is solely on the person responsible for the procurement from the emitting public administration.

No evidence regarding rules on defence procurement in general and requirements for companies in particular was identified. I was unfortunately not able to reach out to people agreeing to be interviewed on this topic.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ (site is severely bugged at the time of research)
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency
- &quoute;Innovations dans le Code des marchés publics&quoute;, Gabon Review, 15 June 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/innovations-dans-le-code-des-marches-publics/
(accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

62.
score
0

Are procurement requirements derived from an open, well-audited national defence and security strategy?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Gabon does not seem to have a military doctrine. Nor does it seem to adopt a dedicated &quoute;military programme&quoute; law (France traditionally does so, given the historic close ties between the two countries, one might be interested to search for such a law).

Coherently, no procurement requirements were identified at all that could originate from defence strategy.

PEER REVIEWERS - Is there any evidence to suggest that procurement can often be opportunistic? More sources for this question would be very helpful.

COMMENTS -+

N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: I concur with the comments. No military doctrine of note was found and no procurement requirements specific to the defence sector were identified. As noted, the government's defence website contains limited information : http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: A lack of of procurement strategy does not mean that there is a lack of military doctrine entirely. I would suggest making this distinction explicit.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

63.
score
0

Are defence purchases based on clearly identified and quantified requirements?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No acquisition planning was identified. No procurement requirements were identified at all that could originate from defence strategy or related clear guidelines.

As mentioned in other indicators, close and long-standing links with France suggest defence procurement is opportunistic in nature. Indeed, as outlined by official documents from French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Defence, France and Gabon maintain advantageous military cooperation agreements. The latter pose that France provides &quoute;technical and operational military assistance&quoute; to Gabon. Given the frequent common training and intervention events between the French military stationed in Gabon and the Gabonese army, one might imagine defence purchases are essentially motivated by the needs stemming from this sort of activities.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- La France et le Gabon: overview of diplomatic and defence interactions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/gabon/la-france-et-le-gabon/

- Exportations d'armement de la France - Ministère de la Défense, 1 Aug 2014 http://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defence.gouv.fr%2Fcontent%2Fdownload%2F305481%2F4080807%2Ffile%2FRapport%2520au%2520Parlement%25202014%2520sur%2520les%2520exportations%2520d%255C%2527armement%2520de%2520la%2520France.pdf&ei=Y5LrVIOiHMf5Uv6sgRA&usg=AFQjCNFWfjqILWCwtzl0HmkpifXsloDU7A&sig2=tIEVrDXu_AvnNgizUeIulw&bvm=bv.86475890,d.d24

All links accessed 20 Feb 2015

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

64.
score
0

Is defence procurement generally conducted as open competition or is there a significant element of single-sourcing (that is, without competition)?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: According to the SIPRI's data, since 2012, only two purchases were performed, one from France and one from South Africa. Close links with France suggest the procurement is mostly single-sourced. Historically, links between Gabon and France are extremely strong (the unfamous Françafrique system) and they continue to be pervasive even today. Indeed, defence agreements between France and Gabon instaure military &quoute;technical and operational cooperation&quoute; (as per the agreement).

Purchases are not made public and the amount paid for them is kept undisclosed. No acquisition planning details were identified neither. No evidence was identified about a bidding process in any of the aforementioned cases (according to data by SIPRI).

The Gabonese Code for Public Procurement contains no mention regarding defence/security procurement. The Code was updated in 2012, but the media reports mention nothing on defence procurement.

It is quite difficult to cross-check these numbers with summary statistics released by French Ministry of Defence. In any event, no publicly available information was identified in Gabon corresponding to these purchases. It is thus impossible to defend the view that an open competition system operates in the country.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ (site is severely bugged at the time of research), Homepage
- &quoute;Gabon : ratification du traité instituant un partenariat de défense&quoute;, French Parliament website (The text ratifying a treaty between France and Gabon focused on defence) http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/13/dossiers/gabon_partenariat_defence.asp, 2011
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2002
- La France et le Gabon: overview of diplomatic and defence interactions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/gabon/la-france-et-le-gabon/
- Exportations d'armement de la France - Ministère de la Défense, 1 Aug 2014 http://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defence.gouv.fr%2Fcontent%2Fdownload%2F305481%2F4080807%2Ffile%2FRapport%2520au%2520Parlement%25202014%2520sur%2520les%2520exportations%2520d%255C%2527armement%2520de%2520la%2520France.pdf&ei=Y5LrVIOiHMf5Uv6sgRA&usg=AFQjCNFWfjqILWCwtzl0HmkpifXsloDU7A&sig2=tIEVrDXu_AvnNgizUeIulw&bvm=bv.86475890,d.d24

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency
- &quoute;Innovations dans le Code des marchés publics&quoute;, Gabon Review, 15 June 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/innovations-dans-le-code-des-marches-publics/

Research:
- SIPRI Arm transfers database http://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers
(All links accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

65.
score
1

Are tender boards subject to regulations and codes of conduct and are their decisions subject to independent audit to ensure due process and fairness?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Only three tender boards were identified, all originating from the &quoute;Gabon émergent&quoute; project launched by the President shortly after his investiture. These boards are: Gabon Industriel, Gabon Vert and Gabon des services. (N.B. The website hosting these boards seems to be down in February 2015)

When surveyed in September 2014, none of these boards contained tenders, neither open nor closed, nor completed. No information was identified on these tender boards regarding regulations and codes of conduct nor related to independent audit. By February 2015, these boards are not accessible anymore. Even if these boards are still functional, the chances are slim they would contain defence-related tenders; indeed, the project &quoute;Gabon émergent&quoute; focuses on the economic development of the country, and its description contains no mention of defence or security.

The Code for Public Procurement contains no mention regarding defence/security procurement although other tender boards are subject to regulations codified in the Code. The latter has provisions regarding open tendering (Subsection #1 in general, art. 21 more particularly). No actual evidence has been identified regarding the application of these legal provisions.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority), http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ (site is severely bugged at the time of research), Homepage
- Projet « Gabon émergent » : http://www.aninf.ga/telechargements/PLAN%20STRATEGIQUE%20GABON%20EMERGENT.pdf and its directory &quoute;Tenders and procurement&quoute; http://www.gaboninvest.org/investir-au-gabon/marches-publics-et-appels-d-offres
- Gabon Industriel http://www.gabon-industriel.com/investir-au-gabon/marches-publics-appels-d-offres
- Gabon Vert http://www.gabon-vert.com/investir-au-gabon/marches-publics-appels-d-offres-1
- Gabon des services http://www.gabon-services.com/investir-au-gabon/marches-publics-appels-d-offres
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2011

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency
- &quoute;Innovations dans le Code des marchés publics&quoute;, Gabon Review, 15 June 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/innovations-dans-le-code-des-marches-publics/

(All links accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

66.
score
0

Does the country have legislation in place to discourage and punish collusion between bidders for defence and security contracts?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Public Procurement Authority &quoute;is expected to [...] penalise firms that fail to comply with regulation and ensure out-of-court settlement of any disputes arising from public contracts&quoute; (GlObserver ). The agency's website is however inaccessible.

The Code for Public Procurement contains no mention regarding defence/security procurement although other tenders are subject to regulations codified in the Code. The latter has provisions regarding candidates (Chapter 3, Section 1 in general, art. 11 more particularly). Art. 11 indicates that candidates who have been subjects to penal prosecution cannot bid; yet the conflict of interest related restriction is solely on the person responsible for the procurement from the emitting public administration.

No evidence regarding rules on defence procurement in general and requirements for companies participating to defence procurement in particular was identified. Similarly, no mention outlawing collusion was identified. Conversely, the Code for Public Procurement contains a rule authorising the buyer to restrain the tender process to pre-defined bidders (Chapter 3, Section 2, art. 39-41). Lastly, Chapter 3, Section 5, art. 43-44 explicitly authorises the buyer to designate the provider in some cases.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ (site is severely bugged at the time of research), Homepage
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2011

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, GlObserver, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency
- &quoute;Innovations dans le Code des marchés publics&quoute;, Gabon Review, 15 June 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/innovations-dans-le-code-des-marches-publics/
(All links accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

67.
score
0

Are procurement staff, in particular project and contract managers, specifically trained and empowered to ensure that defence contractors meet their obligations on reporting and delivery?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence was identified regarding such training. The recently uncovered &quoute;ghost civil servants&quoute; suggest that even basic oversight and training on the public sector human resources suffers shortcomings.

No evidence regarding rules on defence procurement were identified either. Similarly, no publicly available information regarding defence tenders (open, completed, closed) were found. Whatever the actual format of the purchase process, I was not able to identify public servants responsible for this. As outlined in previous indicators, it is likely that defence procurement is handled by the highest level government officials. With this respect, a staff department is unlikely to exist. All in all, there is no oversight of who performs the defence contracting and how this exactly materialises.

Such lack of transparency along with Gabon's notoriously corrupt political establishment point in the direction of secret contracting performed without specific rules and dedicated staff.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2011

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon has 3,000 fake civil servants receiving salaries, say prosecutors&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 Sept 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/06/gabon-fake-civil-servants-receiving-salaries

All links accessed 18 Sept 2014

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

68.
score
3

Are there mechanisms in place to allow companies to complain about perceived malpractice in procurement, and are companies protected from discrimination when they use these mechanisms?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: According to the the GlObserver piece, the Public Procurement Authority &quoute;is expected to assist the government in setting policy and regulations on public procurement, develop sector training mechanisms, implement independent technical audit procedures, penalise firms that fail to comply with regulation and ensure out-of-court settlement of any disputes arising from public contracts.&quoute; The agency's website is inaccessible.

The Code for Public Procurement contains no mention regarding defence/security procurement although other tenders are subject to regulations codified in the Code. The latter has provisions regarding complaints (art. 114-119 more particularly). Complaints may be addressed through the hierarchy of the respective public administration and/or before the dedicated Conflict Council. No other evidence exists regarding this Council.

No evidence regarding rules on defence procurement in general and requirements for companies in particular was identified. I was not able to establish whether the complaint mechanism is used and, if so, whether this has any impact on companies filing such complaints. Overall, no evidence of the activity of the Public Procurement Authority was identified at all.

Reviewers: Could you comment and provide further sources where possible on:
Are there formal mechanisms in place to allow companies to complain about perceived malpractice in procurement?
Are companies protected formally from discrimination when they use these mechanisms for genuine (non-malicious) complaints? Is there evidence of companies that have attempted to complain being unfairly disadvantaged or debarred from future procurements or is it likely that they will be?
Is there any evidence of the extent that these mechanisms are used by companies?

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2011

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency
- &quoute;Innovations dans le Code des marchés publics&quoute;, Gabon Review, 15 June 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/innovations-dans-le-code-des-marches-publics/
(accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: I agree with the score and comments made. I located references to recent purchases made by the Gabonese government in October 2014 (http://aviationweek.com/blog/gabon-buys-12-aravis and http://defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36821:gabon-orders-two-patrol-vessels&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106) but no suggestion of malpractice in procurement or other discrimination. Nonetheless, it highlights the continued strong defence ties between the French government and its defence industry with Gabon.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

69.
score
1

What sanctions are used to punish the corrupt activities of a supplier?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: According to the the GlObserver piece, one of the Public Procurement Authority's duties is to &quoute;penalise firms that fail to comply with regulation and ensure out-of-court settlement of any disputes arising from public contracts.&quoute; (The agency's website is currently inaccessible).

The Code for Public Procurement contains no mention regarding defence/security procurement although other tenders are subject to regulations codified in the Code. The latter has provisions regarding candidates (Chapter 3, Section 1 in general, art. 11 more particularly). Art. 11 indicates that candidates who have been subjects to penal prosecution cannot bid; yet the conflict of interest related restriction is solely on the person responsible for the procurement from the emitting public administration. No provisions mentioning corrupt activities of the supplier exist in the Code.

Lastly, the Code in its Chapter 8 contains a list of sanctions: Section 1 concerns public servants responsibles for attributing the contract to excluded bidders or to mismanaging the contract execution; Section 2 concerns the 'client' and the provider. In this case, the provider can be demised if corrupt practices are proved that have helped the provider to obtain the contract or to execute it (Art. 129). This provision is however vaguely worded: &quoute;corruption&quoute; is not explicitly defined, sanctions are not clearly determined and no precise authority is named that should be tasked with monitoring, investigating and eventually punishing misconduct/fraud. One may assume that this is what the Public Procurement Authority should do.

The provisions outlined above are never identified as applicable to defence procurement; similarly, the Code does not specify any requirement for defence/security companies.

Overall, no evidence of the activity of the Public Procurement Authority was identified at all. This implies that no application of the Authority's mandate (to penalise firms failing to comply with regulation) was identified. This lack of activity most probably explains the lack of enforcement as no such report (institutional or media) was located.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Code des marchés publics (Code for Public Procurement) http://www.apjagabon.org/app/download/7990769570/A-4+Code_des_Marches-Publics_GABON.pdf?t=1373297229, 2011

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency
- &quoute;Innovations dans le Code des marchés publics&quoute;, Gabon Review, 15 June 2012 http://gabonreview.com/blog/innovations-dans-le-code-des-marches-publics/
(All links accessed 17 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

70.
score
0

When negotiating offset contracts, does the government specifically address corruption risk by imposing due diligence requirements on contractors? Does the government follow up on offset contract performance and perform audits to check performance and integrity?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No evidence has been identified matching allegedly imposed due diligence/audit on offsets during the examination period. Information on arms exports from France to Gabon for example is extremely superficial and scarce. Even the French Ministry of Defence's report to the Parliament remains very high-level; e.g., it notes that a total of 98 preliminary agreement demands for export have been filed by Gabon and accepted since 2009 but mentions no further information (p. 54). The situation is identical when listing the numbers and amounts of arms exports since 2009 (p. 58).

Media (even specialised outlets) and NGOs are silent on this topic as well. It is thus impossible to assess what requirements -- if any -- are imposed on offset contracts.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional, media, research, other sources:
N/A

(Arms exports for 2014: French Ministry of Defence's report to the Parliament http://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defence.gouv.fr%2Fcontent%2Fdownload%2F305481%2F4080807%2Ffile%2FRapport%2520au%2520Parlement%25202014%2520sur%2520les%2520exportations%2520d%255C%2527armement%2520de%2520la%2520France.pdf&ei=Hq_rVIeDKI3zaMXcgvAB&usg=AFQjCNFWfjqILWCwtzl0HmkpifXsloDU7A&sig2=xN2HWeY4vSs05NDMJoNpNA&bvm=bv.86475890,d.d2s accessed on 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

71.
score
N/A

Does the government make public the details of offset programmes, contracts, and performance?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No detail on defence procurement by Gabon is known. As outlined in the previous indicator, it is also impossible to know whether offsets are performed and what strings are attached (if any). Thus, I have chosen the N/A here as all other scores seem to present a speculation compared to the current knowledge on the topic. Insights from the peer review process are more than welcome.

PEER REVIEWERS - Can you make a reasoned assumption based on exsting evidence, as to whether Gabon and its government do accept offset contracts from defence companies? It seems clear that no evidence is published on it officially, but any knowledge you have on this matter that could contribute to a score would be very helpful.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional, media, research, other sources:
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: To my knowledge, Gabon does not accept offset contracts from defence companies. Nor have I come across any information in the public domain to suggest otherwise.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: The researcher is correct here in choosing N/A. Without any solid evidence, which does not exist as far as I'm aware in OSINT research, even proving the existence of offset schemes in Gabon is difficult to achieve.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

72.
score
N/A

Are offset contracts subject to the same level of competition regulation as the main contract?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No detail on defence procurement by Gabon is known. As outlined in the previous indicator, it is also impossible to know whether offsets are performed and, if so, how they are dealt with. Thus, I have chosen the N/A here as all other scores seem to present a speculation compared to the current knowledge on the topic. Insights from the peer review process are more than welcome.

PEER REVIEWERS - Similar to question 71, is there any more evidence you can find of offset contracts existing? Based on your current knowledge of Gabon and its defence sector, is it likely that offset contracts do exist, but the details of them are not made publicly available? Any information you can offer would be helpful here.

COMMENTS -+

N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: As with the previous answer, I am not aware of the Gabonese government's involvement in offset contracts with defence companies.

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

73.
score
0

How strongly does the government control the company's use of agents and intermediaries in the procurement cycle?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Agency's website being inaccessible, no evidence regarding restrictions or rules in general was identified. I was not able to identify details regarding policies that control the company's use of agents and intermediaries in the procurement cycle. No evidence was found regarding any scrutiny of these processes.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/ , Homepage

Media sources:
- &quoute;Gabon have recently moved to create a Public Procurement Regulatory Agency&quoute;, 19 Jun 2013 http://globserver.cn/en/gabon/press/gabon-have-recently-moved-create-public-procurement-regulatory-agency (accessed 11 Sept 2014)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Agents and intermediaries are prevalent in the defence industry worldwide. Thus a country such as Gabon likely relies on such agents for consultation and general assistance throughout the procurement process. This could include organisations and individuals who are not reputable, however, leading to corruption and general over-payment of defence systems.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

74.
score
0

Are the principal aspects of the financing package surrounding major arms deals, (such as payment timelines, interest rates, commercial loans or export credit agreements) made publicly available prior to the signing of contracts?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: No related information was identified. The media report linked to above highlights some specific equipment being recently acquired but does not state the seller nor the amounts sold, suggesting that occasionally information about acquisition can be published. However, there is still no evidence to suggest that the financial details of such purchasing packages are made public through any official or media source.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
N/A

Media sources:
- &quoute;De nouveaux équipements pour l’armée nationale&quoute;, Gabon Review, 12 Dec 2014 http://gabonreview.com/blog/nouveaux-equipements-larmee-nationale/ (accessed 20 Feb 2015)

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree with Comments

Comment: Specifics are normally found through paid-for ORBAT services such as the Military Balance and IHS Janes' World Armies. Both services often identify specific amounts of serviceable equipment through photographic evidence in parades and military operations, as well as third party accounts of transactions. This is a common research method throughout African militaries, and is generally never 100% accurate.

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

75.
score
0

Does the government formally require that the main contractor ensures subsidiaries and sub-contractors adopt anti-corruption programmes, and is there evidence that this is enforced?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: The Agency's website being inaccessible, no evidence regarding restrictions or rules in general was identified. No evidence was identified elsewhere that suggests such a requirement exists. As neither tenders nor contracts are publicly available, it is impossible to assert that a formal requirement exists from the main contractor to ensure that its subsidiaries and sub-contractors adopt anti-corruption programmes.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Direction Générale des Marchés Publics (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) http://www.marchespublics.gouv.ga/, Homepage

Media sources:
N/A

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+

76.
score
0

How common is it for defence acquisition decisions to be based on political influence by selling nations?

Researcher + Peer Reviewer3933: Purchases are not made public and the amount paid for them is kept undisclosed.

No acquisition planning details were identified neither. Gabon does not seem to be a huge arms consumer anyway (at least, this is what SIPRI data suggests). France features as one of the most prominent sellers, according to SIPRI.

Historically, links between Gabon and France are extremely strong (due to the infamous Françafrique system) and they continue to be pervasive even today (see The Guardian's piece above for background). France thus continues to be not just arms supplier but also one of the main (and potentially the only) training provider for the Gabonese army having established a dedicated entity in Libreville and conducting regular training sessions as exemplified by some of the reports linked to above.

Overall, France has long-lived cooperation agreements with multiple African countries, including Gabon. In the Gabon case, the agreement dates back to 1960 and poses French intervention to defend the country. Although these agreements have been reviewed (e.g., with Cameroon), they remain unchanged with Gabon. The military agreements on technical issues have not been reviewed: they include easy transit and logistics support, info exchange, supply of materials and weaponry. Influence by selling nations (France here) in the case of Gabon seems thus obvious against the backdrop of these details.

COMMENTS -+

Institutional sources:
- Gabon Defence Ministry website http://www.defence-nationale.gouv.ga/, Homepage
- Gabon's National Assembly website http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/, Homepage
- The Parliament's different Commissions http://www.assemblee-nationale.ga/36-connaitre-l-assemblee-nationale/163-les-differentes-commissions/, 2013
- http://armstreaty.org/issue/tracking-the-universalisation-of-the-att/, Homepage
- &quoute;Gabon : ratification du traité instituant un partenariat de défense&quoute;, French Parliament website (The text ratifying a treaty between France and Gabon focused on defence) http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/13/dossiers/gabon_partenariat_defence.asp, 2011
- &quoute;Gabon : stage d’aguerrissement pour l’armée gabonaise&quoute;, French Defence Ministry weblog, 21 Jan 2014 http://www.defence.gouv.fr/actualites/international/gabon-stage-d-aguerrissement-pour-l-armee-gabonaise
- &quoute;Gabon : formation technique au profit de militaires gabonais&quoute;, French Ministry of Defence, 18 Oct 2013 http://www.defence.gouv.fr/ema/actualites/gabon-formation-technique-au-profit-de-militaires-gabonais
- &quoute;La formation militaire générale&quoute;, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last updated June 2013 http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/defence-et-securite/cooperation-de-securite-et-de/les-ecoles-nationales-a-vocation/article/la-formation-militaire-generale
- &quoute;EFG : exercice franco-gabonais avec le BPC Tonerre&quoute;, French Ministry of Defence, 21 Jan 2015 http://www.defence.gouv.fr/actualites/international/efg-exercice-franco-gabonais-avec-le-bpc-tonnerre

Media sources:
- &quoute;France has finally got tough on corruption by seizing a dictator's Paris mansion&quoute;, The Guardian, 6 August 2012 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/aug/06/france-tough-corruption-dictators-mansion
- &quoute;France-Afrique : des accords militaires « nouvelle génération » &quoute;, Le Monde Diplo, 10 Jun 2009 http://blog.mondediplo.net/2009-06-10-France-Afrique-accords-nouvelle-generation

Research:
- SIPRI Arm transfers database http://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers, Homepage
- &quoute;Les évolutions récentes de la coopération militaire française en Afrique&quoute;, Tibault Stéphène Possio, éd. Publibook, 2007

All links accessed 11 Sept 2014 & 20 Feb 2015

SOURCES -+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Peer Reviewer-+

Opinion: Agree

Comment:

Suggested score:

Researcher + Peer Reviewer-+