Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo: the iron lady of Gabon, still as influential?
Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo, long nicknamed the “Iron Lady” of the Gabonese judicial system, made a remarkable return to the country’s political and institutional scene in early 2024. After decades at the head of the Constitutional Court, her influence remains palpable, despite her official withdrawal. Her role during the current transition, although ambiguous, continues to provoke strong reactions, both in Gabon and internationally.
A career marked by longevity at the Constitutional Court
For more than two decades, Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo presided over Gabon’s Constitutional Court, a key position in the country’s political landscape. Under her presidency, the court played a central role in validating presidential elections, including those of 2009 and 2016 that returned Ali Bongo to power, amid popular protests and suspicions of fraud. Her steadfast support for the Bongo dynasty earned her a reputation as a staunch ally of the regime, and a symbol of the continuity of power.
Despite criticism of his impartiality, Mborantsuo has remained at the top of the judiciary, consolidating his influence while becoming a key figure in Gabonese politics. However, with the fall of the Bongo regime in 2023, his position has been called into question.
Honorary President: a controversial title
After leaving the presidency of the Constitutional Court , Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo was appointed honorary president of this institution in February 2024 , a title that quickly caused controversy. Many saw it as an attempt to maintain her influence in the judicial sphere, despite her departure. However, this appointment was canceled a few months later, under pressure from critics , particularly from civil society and some political actors who demanded a clear break with the old system.
For some observers, this cancellation marked an attempt to restore confidence in Gabonese institutions, which had been badly shaken by years of contested management under the shadow of Mborantsuo. However, it is undeniable that his career and expertise continue to weigh on current political dynamics, and many speculate about his real influence behind the scenes .
The role of Mborantsuo in the current transition
As Gabon enters a transition period following the fall of Ali Bongo, Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo’s role remains ambiguous. Although she is no longer at the forefront, her presence and institutional legacy are inseparable from the current political process. Some analysts believe that, although discreet, she could still play a role in the balance of power, particularly through her networks and allies within the judiciary.
It is also important to note that Mborantsuo, despite his formal withdrawal, retains an aura of respectability and influence in the circles of Gabonese power. During the current transition, voices are calling for his contribution, particularly to stabilize a legal system in full reconstruction. Others, on the other hand, believe that his return, even indirect, would slow the emergence of a true democracy and a renewal of the elites.
A figure still at the heart of the debates
Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo's trajectory illustrates to what extent she remains a key figure, not only in Gabon's recent history, but also in its political future. Her career, controversial for some, respected for others, crystallizes the stakes of a difficult transition. For many Gabonese, she embodies the old regime and the excesses of a system often considered opaque. For her supporters, she remains a seasoned technocrat capable of guaranteeing a certain institutional stability.
As Gabon seeks a new democratic path, Mborantsuo symbolises the continuity of an ancient power that many want to turn their backs on. However, her influence in the country's upper echelons shows that, even removed from the public scene, she continues to play a subtle but significant role.
What future for the "Iron Lady"?
Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo's political and institutional future is uncertain, but her ability to weather the test of time and adapt to change makes her a resilient figure in the Gabonese landscape. The question remains whether she will be able to redefine her role in this new Gabon in transition or whether her past will definitively catch up with her. Her aborted appointment as honorary president of the Constitutional Court demonstrates that her presence remains a source of discord and debate.
As Gabon attempts to build a new political era, Mborantsuo's legacy, with its shadows and lights, will undoubtedly continue to weigh on future decisions.
