Gabonese President Brice Oligui Ngema began a state visit to France on Monday, where talks with French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to focus on economic cooperation, security ties and political relations between the two countries. A key issue on the agenda is Gabon’s demand that French mining giant Eramet process manganese locally before exporting it. The Gabonese government has set January 2029 as the deadline for all manganese ore to undergo domestic processing, a move aimed at creating jobs, increasing industrial value and boosting national revenue. France is seeking additional time for Eramet to develop the infrastructure required to meet Gabon’s new industrial policy, making the issue one of the most significant topics of the bilateral discussions.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss the future of France’s military presence in Gabon, including plans for a further reduction of French troops and the transfer of land ownership for a former French military base. Political developments in Gabon are also expected to feature prominently during the visit. Lawyers representing former Prime Minister and opposition leader Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who has been detained since April, are urging President Macron to press for respect for his legal rights. Bilie-By-Nze faces fraud and breach-of-trust charges linked to events dating back to 2008. His legal team maintains the allegations are politically motivated, while Gabonese authorities insist the judicial process is independent.
The visit comes as France continues efforts to redefine its relationship with African nations. President Macron has repeatedly pledged to move beyond France’s colonial legacy by building partnerships based on economic cooperation, mutual respect and youth engagement. Despite the 2023 military coup that brought Oligui Ngema to power, Gabon has remained one of France’s closest partners in Central Africa. During Macron’s visit to Libreville in November last year, both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in economic development, environmental protection and investment while reshaping bilateral ties for a new generation. The outcome of the visit is expected to influence future French investment in Gabon’s mining sector and determine the pace of military and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
