The Camp De Gaulle is no longer a French military base, declared Fabrice Mauriès, France’s Ambassador to Gabon, during his address at Libreville’s Bastille Day celebrations. His statement underscored the culmination of a meticulously planned transition in the defense partnership between France and Gabon.

In detailing the ongoing evolution of military cooperation, the Ambassador emphasized that both nations have worked together—co-constructing—this transformation, which now stands at its final stages. The shift reflects a shared commitment to modernize defense relations between Libreville and Paris, aligning them with contemporary security challenges.

The Ambassador highlighted the enduring strength of the Franco-Gabonese alliance, describing it as a cornerstone of their relationship, rooted in deep mutual trust and military camaraderie. He noted that the Inter-Service Liaison Detachment in Gabon (DLI-G) now spearheads operational cooperation, while national training schools continue their missions in regional capacity-building.

Fabrice Mauriès went on to unveil a significant shift in France’s military footprint in Gabon. “Within weeks, this partnership will reach a refined and stable equilibrium,” he stated. “Camp De Gaulle, already stripped of its status as a French base, will soon complete its transformation under a new identity.”

Beyond defense, the Ambassador spotlighted advancements in broader security cooperation. Collaborations with Gabon’s Justice Minister are advancing toward establishing a National Financial Prosecutor’s Office. Key priorities also include combating drug trafficking, irregular migration, border surveillance, and strengthening police, gendarmerie, firefighters, and prison administration capabilities.

Since Gabon’s political transition in August 2023, France and Gabon have redefined their military cooperation. This led to the replacement of the French Elements in Gabon (EFG) with the DLI-G, now focused on training, advisory roles, and operational partnerships.

The impending transformation of Camp De Gaulle marks a pivotal milestone in this restructuring, reinforcing both nations’ dedication to a strategic alliance tailored to the evolving security landscape of the region.