The independent organisation World Justice Project (WJP) released its new report on the rule of law on Wednesday 26 October. As in 2022, Gabon has fallen down the rankings to 126th place out of 140 countries. On the African continent, Ali Bongo’s country ranks 30th out of 34 countries with a score of 0.39 points.
The recent survey of 154,000 households by the American NGO World Justice Project, which included consultation with 3,600 lawyers and experts in the field, provided an indication of the level of the rule of law in Gabon. Indeed, out of 140 countries surveyed, the country ranks 126th in the world. In Africa, it ranked 30th out of 34 countries with 0.39 points.
According to the Executive Director of the World Justice Project, this ranking is a barometer to gauge the real level of democracy in Gabon which is constantly falling.
“We are emerging from the pandemic, but the global recession in the rule of law continues,” said Elizabeth Andersen. She also recalled that “the rule of law is about fairness, i.e. accountability, equal rights and justice for all“.
Gabon’s rating according to the eight ranking criteria
When it comes to the rule of law, Denmark leads the world. On the African continent, it is Rwanda that ranks first and 42nd worldwide.
Of the 8 criteria, Gabon scores 0.63 and 0.47 for order and safety and enforcement of regulations. Fundamental rights, civil justice and criminal justice at 0.44; 0.37 and 0.30. In terms of impediments to the functioning of the executive and the absence of corruption, Gabon scores 0.30 and 0.24.
