Gabon

Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda was named the new Prime Minister of Gabon, replacing Julien Nkoghe Bekale. This was announced by President Ali Bongo Ondimba on Thursday. Raponda will be Gabon's first female Prime Minister.

Gabon senate voted in favor of decriminalising homosexuality. The bill is now awaiting ratification by President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

"Parliament is restoring a fundamental human right for its citizens: that of loving, freely, without being condemned. The Republic defends respect for everyone's privacy and remains One and indivisible beyond feelings. Yes to dignity, no to hate. #Gabon" – Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, the president's wife, voiced her support on Twitter.

The National Assembly of the central African country Gabon has adopted an amendment to criminal legislation and removed the prohibition "sexual relations between persons of the same sex".

In total "48 deputies voted in favour of decriminalisation, 24 against and 25 abstained" according to the news agency AFP. The adoption of the Senate into law is still pending.