The cooperation between Gabon’s Constitutional Court and that of Togo is set to involve shared efforts and experience exchange. The heads of both high courts, Dieudonné Aba’a Owono and Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley, laid the groundwork for this partnership yesterday at the Palais de la Constitution in Libreville, following the arrival of the Togolese delegation on a working and friendship visit.
This visit builds on the excellent relations between the two heads of state: Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Togo’s Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. Both leaders share common views on several regional and international issues.
According to the two court presidents, this rapprochement is particularly relevant given current and future challenges. Constitutional justice must address the demands of an intergenerational society and safeguard the dignity, rights, and freedoms of future generations.
“Dialogue between our courts is not only useful for our institutions—it is useful for Africa. It is no longer a simple exercise of constitutional courtesy but has become a necessity for consolidating the rule of law on our continent,” said Dieudonné Aba’a Owono. He expressed hope that this visit marks the beginning of a long series of exchanges, allowing constitutional judges from both countries to work together, share reflections, jurisprudence, and questions.
Similarly, Professor Djobo-Babakane Coulibaley affirmed the relevance of the initiative. “In this time of warlike storm where the prestige of the rule of law is receding practically everywhere in the world, the dialogue of our jurisdictions gives us the opportunity to affirm our community of values expressed by the principle of the rule of law,” he emphasized. The Togolese delegation’s stay ends on Wednesday.
