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Macron Backs Gabon’s Post‑Coup Reset With Leaner Defense Ties and New Funding

Paris signals support for President Brice Oligui Nguema through a training‑led security pact tied to new development finance.

La foule salue le président français Emmanuel Macron à son arrivée dans la capitale gabonaise Libreville, le 23 novembre 2025
Le président français Emmanuel Macron est accueilli par son homologue gabonais Brice Oligui Nguema à l'aéroport de Libreville le 23 novembre 2025
Le président français Emmanuel Macron et son homologue gabonais Brice Oligui Nguema saluent la foule à Libreville le 23 novembre 2025
Le président gabonais Brice Oligui Nguema et son homologue français Emmanuel Macron à la fin d'une conférence de presse à Libreville le 23 novembre 2025

Overview

  • In Libreville, Emmanuel Macron hailed the 2023 coup as a turning point and pledged that France would support Gabon’s renewal as a respectful partner.
  • The French Development Agency confirmed a €173 million loan plus a €30 million EU‑funded grant to rehabilitate the Transgabonais railway, with 270 of 648 kilometers slated for replacement by 2027.
  • The countries emphasized a reconfigured security relationship as a two‑year defense accord approaches re‑approval in January, with about 100 French troops focused on training and an environmental‑protection academy planned at Camp de Gaulle.
  • President Brice Oligui Nguema pushed an industrialization drive through local processing of resources and publicly urged French miner Eramet to honor its commitments.
  • Oligui requested French judicial cooperation to help recover assets allegedly diverted under Ali Bongo, as French companies looked to deepen roles in hydrocarbons, manganese and timber.