What You Need to Know
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Libreville, Gabon, on November 23, aiming to strengthen and renew the bilateral partnership with the country following a military coup that ended over 50 years of Bongo family rule. This visit is part of a broader African tour and signifies France's commitment to supporting Gabon's new authorities.
Africa. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Libreville, Gabon, with the aim of “strengthening and renewing” the bilateral partnership with this Central African nation, following a military coup that ended over 50 years of Bongo family rule.
Macron’s visit to Libreville is part of an African tour that included Mauritius and South Africa, before he heads to Angola. He was welcomed at the airport by Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the coup that ousted Ali Bongo in 2023, who was elected in April after a 19-month transitional period.
The Élysée clarified that the French president came to “celebrate the completion of the transitional phase” and to affirm “his support for the new authorities.” Meanwhile, the Gabonese presidency emphasized that the relationship with Paris is now “based on equality and balanced dialogue,” indicating the country’s desire to move beyond the legacy of “Françafrique.”
Limited Military Presence
Unlike Sahel countries that severed ties with France after a series of coups between 2021 and 2023, Libreville has maintained its cooperation with Paris.
Gabonese authorities renewed the defense agreement with France for an additional two years, to be reviewed in early 2026. However, the French military presence has significantly decreased, now limited to around 100 soldiers, down from over 1,200 in the early 2000s.
This military presence currently focuses on training Gabonese forces and establishing a specialized academy for environmental protection and natural resource management, aimed at combating issues like illegal fishing and gold extraction.
Despite its wealth in oil, Gabon’s economy suffers from a lack of diversification and an over-reliance on oil, although it ranks among the highest in Africa in terms of GDP per capita (8,820 dollars in 2022). According to World Bank data, one-third of the population lives below the poverty line.
End of ‘Françafrique’?
During a previous visit to Libreville in March 2023, Macron announced that the era of “Françafrique” had ended, asserting that France is now a “neutral partner” on the continent. Since taking office in 2017, the French president has proposed a new vision for relations with Africa, focusing on openness to English-speaking countries, prioritizing youth, historical memory, and “balanced” economic partnerships.
Gabon has experienced significant political shifts, particularly with the recent military coup that ousted Ali Bongo in 2023. This change marks a departure from decades of governance by the Bongo family, which has been characterized by a close relationship with France, often referred to as ‘Françafrique’. Macron’s visit reflects a new approach to French-African relations, emphasizing mutual respect and dialogue.
Historically, France has maintained a military presence in Gabon, but this has diminished in recent years. The current focus is on training Gabonese forces and addressing environmental issues.
