President Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France has drawn a new line in the sand for Franco-Gabon relations, marking a significant shift after 42 years of absence. The two nations have agreed to build a renewed partnership, moving away from past practices to establish an equal-to-equal relationship. This new dynamic is evident on the economic front, as Oligui Nguema has committed to breaking free from the exploitation of Gabon’s resources by foreign firms without reaping any significant benefits. Instead, he aims to transform these companies through local development.

The President emphasized his desire for sovereignty and control over his nation’s resources during a visit to Paris. This is evident in his stance on manganese, which was discussed during the visit. The transformation of this metal has been identified as a key area of focus. A partnership with the French company Eramet has been established, which aims to increase local production by 2031.

The deal also includes the modernization of the Transgabonais operation, which will be funded through Proparco. This is part of a broader effort to redefine the relationship between France and Gabon in terms of defense. The Gabonese government has expressed its commitment to diversifying its partnerships beyond France, including with China, Turkey, and India.

The French President received a clear message from Oligui Nguema: ‘Paris was once our historical partner, but today there are many partners. We’re open to everyone.’ This message was well-received by the audience, signaling a new era in Franco-Gabon relations.