Gabon Tightens Anti-Terrorism Financing Regulations as Part of Global Efforts
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The government of Gabon has strengthened its anti-terrorism financing regulations to combat terrorism and maintain regional security. This move is part of the country’s commitment to adhering to global and regional treaties aimed at preventing and punishing acts of terrorism.
Defining Terrorism in Gabonese Law
Under Gabonese law, terrorism is defined as a series of predicate offenses committed intentionally in relation to an individual or collective undertaking aimed at seriously disturbing public order by intimidation or terror. The criminal code also covers acts of violence and the intentional introduction into the atmosphere, ground, or water of substances likely to endanger human health, animal life, or the natural environment.
International Treaties and Regional Agreements
Gabon has ratified all major United Nations treaties on terrorism, including:
- 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons
- 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention
- 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention
- 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention
- 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention
The country is also a signatory to key regional treaties, such as:
- 1999 Algiers Convention
- 2004 Protocol
Severe Penalties for Terrorist Offenses
Gabonese law provides for severe penalties for terrorist offenses, including:
- Life imprisonment in cases where criminal acts are committed with terrorist intent
- Up to twenty years in prison for introducing unlawful substances into the natural environment with terrorist intent
Concerns about Abuse of Laws
However, concerns have been raised about the potential for abuse of these laws for political purposes. In August 2020, agents from the General Directorate for Investigation of the National Gendarmerie arrested trade union leader Jean Bosco Boungoumou without a warrant and detained him for longer than the law allows without permitting prompt access to a lawyer. He was later charged with terrorism and conspiracy.
Commitment to Combating Terrorism
Despite these concerns, Gabon’s national police force, the National Gendarmerie of Gabon (Gendarmerie nationale gabonaise), remains committed to combating terrorism and maintaining regional security. As part of its efforts, the government has implemented counterterrorism policies aimed at preventing and punishing acts of terrorism within its borders.
Conclusion
Gabon’s strengthened anti-terrorism financing regulations demonstrate the country’s commitment to adhering to global and regional treaties aimed at preventing and punishing acts of terrorism. While concerns about abuse of these laws remain, Gabon’s national police force is committed to combating terrorism and maintaining regional security.