President Oligui Nguema’s state visit has drawn a new line in Franco-Gabonese relations, marking a significant shift after 42 years without such a high-level diplomatic visit. The two countries have decided to rebuild their partnership, abandoning past practices and establishing an equal-to-equal relationship.
The Gabonese president’s commitment to breaking away from foreign companies’ exploitation of the country’s resources, in favor of local transformation, has been evident during his Paris visit. This decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at empowering the nation.
During his stay, President Oligui met with French counterparts and engaged in open discussions that led to major gains for Gabon. The agreement with Eramet, a French mining company, includes a commitment to invest in local capacity-building, with production targets set for 2031. Although the initial deadline has been pushed back, this is still a significant achievement.
A key aspect of the new partnership is the modernization of the Transgabonais project, which was recently upgraded with financing from Proparco. This development marks another milestone in Gabon’s efforts to redefine its security relationship with France and rebalance cooperation.
The Gabonese president has also emphasized his country’s desire for diversified partnerships, including those with China, Turkey, and India. While France remains a key partner, the Gabonese leader wants to explore other relationships as well. During his visit, he highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how Africa is perceived and engaged with.
As President Oligui concluded his Paris trip, the French president welcomed him warmly, acknowledging the significance of their meeting. The visit has set a new direction for Franco-Gabonese relations, one that prioritizes mutual benefit and cooperation.