French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Gabon on Monday as part of his multi-country African tour, marking his first visit since General Brice Oligui Nguema seized power in an August 2023 coup that ended the 14-year rule of Ali Bongo Ondimba. Macron’s trip comes directly after the G20 summit in Johannesburg and is aimed at redefining France’s relationship with Africa at a time when Paris is facing growing anti-French sentiment in parts of the continent. According to the Élysée, the visit underscores Macron’s push to move beyond France’s colonial legacy and build new, “balanced partnerships” with African nations.
During a joint address in Libreville, transitional leader Oligui Nguema publicly thanked France for what he described as “multifaceted support” throughout Gabon’s political transition. He credited Paris with backing efforts that led to what he called free and transparent elections last year; polls that international observers said marked a step away from the highly contested votes of the Bongo era. “This support contributed to the holding of free and transparent elections, praised by the international community, and to the gradual establishment of our institutions,” Oligui Nguema said.
France has maintained a significant historical presence in Gabon, which remains one of its closest strategic partners in Central Africa. Despite the coup, French influence has remained largely intact, with Paris signaling it intends to work closely with the transitional authorities now that key steps of the roadmap, including elections have been completed. Macron said France and Gabon must now focus on economic modernization, climate protection, youth empowerment, and shifting away from extractive models that long defined Africa–Europe relations.
“Africa cannot remain a continent focused only on raw material extraction,” Macron said. “We need new models built on energy investment, local transformation of resources, and partnerships that are truly win–win.” Libreville, a longtime hub for French military and economic interests, is expected to host new programs aimed at youth entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, and industrial processing of Gabon’s timber and mineral wealth. Macron’s visit is seen as part of a broader effort to rebuild trust with African nations following military takeovers and diplomatic tensions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — regions where France has lost significant influence.
