In a stark shift, public sentiment in Gabon toward France has plummeted to historic lows. The latest Afrobarometer findings reveal that 78% of surveyed Gabonese citizens view French influence as unfavorable, a stark contrast to the mere 20% who hold favorable opinions. This dramatic divide positions France as the least trusted external actor in Libreville, despite the country’s historical role as a key Francophone stronghold in the Gulf of Guinea.
The disparity is even more pronounced when compared to other global partners. China leads with a 61% approval rating, followed closely by the African Union at 60%, the United States at 47%, and Russia at 43%. This inversion of perception underscores a profound transformation in Gabon’s diplomatic landscape, where France’s once-dominant economic and military presence is now facing unprecedented skepticism.
Distrust echoes across West and Central Africa
Gabon’s growing disenchantment with France is not an isolated event. Since French forces withdrew from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, anti-France sentiment has spread across the region. Chad moved to renegotiate its defense agreements in late 2024, Senegal closed French military bases, and Côte d’Ivoire followed suit. Gabon, under the leadership of transitional leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema since August 2023, is now part of this broader trend of reassessing long-standing partnerships.
The symbolic withdrawal of French troops and the downsizing of the French military presence in Gabon—now reduced to a cooperation mission—have accompanied this shift. Libreville’s official rhetoric, emphasizing sovereignty and diversified alliances, resonates with a public weary of what many perceive as an imbalanced relationship.
China’s strategic rise in Gabon’s favor
China’s growing influence in Gabon extends beyond financial investments and infrastructure projects. Its communication strategy avoids political interference, focusing instead on tangible deliverables such as roads, hospitals, and telecommunications networks. The demand for Gabonese manganese—a critical resource for Beijing—further cements this transactional relationship, which many citizens find more straightforward than the complexities of Franco-Gabonese ties.
Russia, with a 43% favorable rating, benefits from an anti-Western narrative amplified by digital platforms. Though lacking China’s economic footprint or France’s historical ties, Moscow has cultivated a sovereignist image that appeals to urban youth. Meanwhile, the African Union’s 60% approval rating highlights the enduring legitimacy of continental multilateralism, despite Gabon’s suspension following the 2023 coup.
A wake-up call for French diplomacy
For French policymakers, these figures serve as a critical strategic warning. Gabon remains home to key French economic interests, including Eramet’s manganese operations, TotalEnergies’ hydrocarbon ventures, and major banking and logistics subsidiaries. The erosion of France’s image could undermine its position as public contracts face re-evaluation under the transitional government.
Structural grievances—such as debates over the CFA franc, demands for cultural restitution, and post-independence intervention memories—continue to fuel resentment that mere public relations efforts cannot resolve. Afrobarometer’s data suggests that regaining favorable opinion will require a fundamental overhaul of France’s diplomatic approach, rather than superficial adjustments.
The upcoming political transition in Gabon, culminating in presidential elections and a return to constitutional order, could reshape the country’s alliances. The next administration will face a delicate balancing act between maintaining economic ties, responding to public pressure for change, and weighing the competing offers from China, the U.S., and Russia.
