Gabon president in France for state visit

Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Ngema kicked off a three-day state visit to France on Monday, a follow-up to French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Libreville in November 2025.

Topping the agenda is Gabon’s demand for French mining company Eramet to begin local processing of manganese. Libreville has set a deadline of January 2029 for all ore to be processed before export. Paris is pressing for more time to set up the necessary infrastructure.

The two leaders will also discuss the withdrawal of French forces in Gabon and the future of Camp de Gaulle, a former French army base in Libreville. France has reduced its military presence in Gabon from about 1,200 soldiers to around 100 in recent years.

Lawyers for Gabon’s jailed former prime minister and opposition leader, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, are also pressing for Macron to intervene on his behalf. Bilie-By-Nze was arrested in April on charges of fraud and breach of trust related to events from 2008. His lawyers say the charges are politically motivated.

Since taking office, Macron has been trying to revitalise France’s relationship with Africa and break from its colonial legacy. Speaking in Libreville in November, Macron said Paris wants to define new priorities with Gabon: economic, environmental, and youth engagement.

SOURCE: AFP