The prime minister of Gabon () was the head of government of Gabon.
The position was first created in 1960, upon the country's independence from France, but was soon abolished by a new constitution adopted on 21 February 1961. It was, however, restored by constitutional amendments enacted on 16 April 1975 and was also retained in the subsequent constitution adopted in 1991. The prime minister has been the head of government of Gabon from 1960 until 1961 (under a parliamentary system) and since 1981 (under a strong semi-presidential system). The President of Gabon was the country's head of government from 1961 until 1981 (until 1975 under a presidential system without a prime minister and then under a presidential system with a prime minister).
A total of thirteen people have served as Prime Minister, twelve men and one woman.
The role of Prime Minister as the Gabonese head of government was abolished due to the approval of a new constitution in a November 2024 referendum, following a transition period until the president elected in April 2025 was sworn in on 3 May 2025. Its duties were largely succeeded by a new role, the Vice President of the Government, while the Vice President of the Republic continues as the deputy to the President and is first in the line of succession. The first appointee of this new role was Alexandre Barro Chambrier.
Description of the office The President of the Republic nominates the Prime Minister.Article 15 of the Constitution of 1991.
The President may terminate the prime minister's post, of his initiative or by the prime minister's presentation of their resignation from the Government, or following a vote of disapproval or the adoption of a motion of censure by the National Assembly.
By proposal, the prime minister may nominate other members of the Government and terminate their posts.
The prime minister may stand in for the President by express authorization and for a determined agenda.Article 22 of the Constitution of 1991.
Within forty-five (45) days, after the nomination and deliberation of the Council of Ministers, the prime minister will present before the National Assembly their general policy program that will lead to an open debate, followed by a vote of confidence. The vote is obtained by an absolute majority of the members of the National Assembly.Article 28a of the Constitution of 1991.
The prime minister directs the actions of the Government. The prime minister assures the execution of the laws. According to the conditions of Article 20 mentioned above, the Prime Minister exercises regulatory power and nominates civil and military posts of the State. The Prime Minister stands in for the President of the Republic in the aforementioned situations. The prime minister may delegate certain powers to other members of the Government.Article 29 of the Constitution of 1991.
A replacement for the prime minister is assured by a member of the Government designated by a decree of the President of the Republic, according to the order of nomination of the decree that arranged the composition of the Government.
The Minister taking over the duties of the Prime Minister in the interim is temporarily invested with the full rights and powers of the position.
The actions of the prime minister are to be countersigned by the members of the Government charged with their execution.
The Prime Minister is the Chief of Government.Article 31 of the Constitution of 1991.
List of officeholders Political parties
Other factions
Status
Portrait Name Term of office Political party Elected Cabinet(s) President(s) Took office Left office Time in office 1 Léon M'ba 1960 1961 BDG — M'ba Himself 1961Post abolished (21 February 1961 – 16 April 1975) 2 Léon Mébiame 1975 1990 PDG — Mébiame O. Bongo 1980 1985 3 Casimir Oyé-Mba 1990 1994 PDG — Oyé-Mba 1990 4 Paulin Obame-Nguema 1994 1999 PDG — Obame-Nguema 1996 5 Jean-François Ntoutoume Emane 1999 2006 PDG — Emane 2001 6 Jean Eyeghé Ndong 2006 2009 PDG — Ndong 2006 Divungi Di NdingeRogombé 7 Paul Biyoghé Mba 2009 2012 PDG — Mba 2011 A. Bongo 8 Raymond Ndong Sima 2012 2014 PDG — Sima I 9 Daniel Ona Ondo 2014 2016 PDG — Ondo 10 Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet 2016 2019 PDG — Issoze-Ngondet 2018 11 Julien Nkoghe Bekale 2019 2020 PDG — Bekale 12 Rose Christiane Raponda 2020 2023 PDG — Raponda 13 Alain Claude Bilie By Nze 2023 2023 PDG — By Nze Post vacant (30 August – 7 September 2023) — Raymond Ndong Sima 2023 2025 Independent — Oligui Post abolished (4 May 2025 – present)
Timeline
Notes
See also President of Gabon First Lady of Gabon Vice President of Gabon List of colonial governors of Gabon Politics of Gabon
References
External links
World Statesmen – Gabon 1991 Constitution of Gabon (as amended in 2011)