Anti-French sentiment in Gabon has surged to unprecedented levels. The latest Afrobarometer survey reveals that 78% of Gabonese respondents view Paris’ influence as detrimental, while only 20% hold favorable opinions. This stark contrast positions France as the least favored external actor in Libreville, despite the country’s historical ties as a francophone stronghold in the Gulf of Guinea.
The gap between France and its competitors is striking. China leads with 61% positive perceptions, followed closely by the African Union (60%), the United States (47%), and Russia (43%). In essence, Beijing is now seen as a partner three times more legitimate than France. This reversed hierarchy underscores a deep-seated shift in diplomatic perceptions in a nation where French economic and military presence was once deemed unassailable.
Distrust mirrors a broader regional trend
The Gabonese backlash is not an isolated incident. Since French forces withdrew from the Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, anti-Paris sentiment has spread across West and Central Africa. Chad demanded a review of its defense agreements in late 2024, Senegal secured the closure of French military bases, and Côte d’Ivoire followed suit. Gabon, under the transitional leadership of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema since August 2023, aligns with this wave of partnership reassessment.
Symbolically, the phased withdrawal of French troops and the downsizing of the French Forces in Gabon (EFG) to a cooperation mission have mirrored this shift. Libreville’s official narrative, emphasizing sovereignty and diversified partnerships, resonates with a public weary of an asymmetric relationship.
China’s rise in Gabon’s new diplomatic landscape
China’s growing influence isn’t merely a result of infrastructure loans or trade deals. It stems from a non-confrontational communication strategy that avoids political interference while delivering tangible results—roads, hospitals, and telecom networks. Gabon’s manganese, a critical resource for Beijing, fuels this transactional bond, which many citizens perceive as clearer than the convoluted ties with France.
Russia, with 43% favorable opinions, benefits from an anti-Western narrative amplified by social media. Despite lacking China’s or France’s economic footprint, Moscow gains traction among urban youth through a sovereignty-driven discourse. The African Union, at 60%, further confirms that continental multilateralism retains strong legitimacy, despite Gabon’s suspension following the 2023 coup.
A wake-up call for French diplomacy
For French diplomats, these findings serve as a strategic red flag. Gabon remains vital to France’s economic interests, with companies like Eramet (manganese), TotalEnergies (hydrocarbons), and major banks and logistics firms deeply embedded. Eroding public support could weaken Paris’ position as transition authorities reassess public tenders.
Structural grievances—such as debates over the CFA franc, cultural restitution, and post-independence interventions—fuel resentment that mere PR campaigns cannot resolve. The Afrobarometer data suggests that rebuilding favorability will require France to overhaul its diplomatic approach rather than rely on superficial adjustments.
Yet, Gabon’s political transition—set to culminate in a presidential election and return to constitutional order—could reshape the equation. The next government will face a delicate balancing act: maintaining economic ties, responding to public demands for change, and weighing offers from China, the U.S., and Russia.
