The president CNLCEI during its intervention in Arusha, Tanzania © D.R
The president of the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), Nestor Mbou, during the 8e edition of the Dialogue against Corruption held from November 7 to 8 in Arusha, Tanzania as part of the African Union Consultative Council against Corruption (CCUAC), presented Gabon’s strategy aimed at protecting whistleblowing.
“Does the Gabonese system for the protection of whistleblowers provide for: the possibility of testifying or being interviewed without the identity and address being revealed in the hearing report; the possibility of declaring the address of the police station or gendarmerie brigade as your domicile; registration of his identity and address in another report placed in a file separate from that of the procedure; criminal sanctions provided for all violence against whistleblowers »he declined during this high mass.
Operationally, the Commission is said to have signaling channels such as letters, newspapers, telephone calls and social networks; this, in addition, in accordance with the provisions of article 35 of Law n°042/2020.
In this law, one of the main Articles is the new 49 which provides that: « lMember Commissioners, the Government Commissioner, Rapporteurs, the Secretary General, investigators and experts, whistleblowers, ad hoc Rapporteurs, witnesses and victims benefit from special protection from the State against possible acts of retaliation or intimidation, as part of the repression of offenses provided for by the texts in force. The protection provided for in application of this article extends to parents and relatives of whistleblowers, ad hoc reporters, witnesses, victims and their relatives as well as members of prevention bodies.”
Organized under the theme: « meffective mechanism for protecting whistleblowers: essential tool in the fight against Corruption”,the 8e edition of the African Dialogue on the fight against corruption was held in collaboration with the United Nations Organization on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); Transparency International; the National Anti-Corruption Agencies of Africa and the African Civil Society Organizations of the anti-corruption ecosystem.
These meetings were part of the follow-up to the recommendations of the African Union Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Corruption (CUAPLC). Their aim was to take stock of the situation and share good practices with a view to strengthening the normative framework. More precisely, it was a question of achieving robust protection mechanisms aimed at more effective implementation of the African Union Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Corruption in terms of the protection of whistleblowers.
Antoine Relaxe and CNLCEI
2024-11-14 16:33:00
#Gabon #presents #mechanisms #protecting #whistleblowers
What inspired Gabon to implement a whistleblower protection strategy?
**Interview with Nestor Mbou, President of the CNLCEI, on Gabon’s Whistleblower Protection Strategy**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Mbou. You recently presented Gabon’s strategy for protecting whistleblowers at the Dialogue against Corruption in Arusha, Tanzania. Can you tell us what motivated Gabon to prioritize this issue?
**Nestor Mbou:** Thank you for having me. The motivation stems from our commitment to fight corruption and promote integrity within our institutions. We recognized that whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing corrupt practices, and their protection is essential for encouraging individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation.
**Editor:** What specific measures does Gabon’s system incorporate to ensure the safety of whistleblowers?
**Nestor Mbou:** Our system includes several significant measures. For instance, it allows whistleblowers to testify confidentially; their identities and addresses can be kept out of hearing reports. Additionally, they have the option to declare a police station or gendarmerie as their domicile for safety. We also ensure that any violence against whistleblowers will incur criminal penalties, emphasizing our serious stance on protection.
**Editor:** That sounds comprehensive. Could you elaborate on the resources available for whistleblowers to report cases?
**Nestor Mbou:** Certainly. We have established various channels for reporting, such as letters, social media, and phone calls. We want to make it as accessible as possible for individuals to come forward. Moreover, these channels are in line with Article 35 of Law n°042/2020, which underscores our dedication to transparency and accountability.
**Editor:** You mentioned that protection extends not just to the whistleblowers but also to their families and colleagues. Why is this aspect particularly important?
**Nestor Mbou:** Protecting the families and relatives of whistleblowers is critical because those who come forward often risk not just their own safety but also that of their loved ones. By extending protections, we create a more secure environment that encourages reporting. This holistic approach is integral to cultivating a culture of integrity within our society.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Mbou, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that Gabon is taking important steps toward enhancing whistleblower protection in the fight against corruption.
**Nestor Mbou:** Thank you for having me. It’s a collective effort, and we hope to inspire other nations to adopt similar measures.
