During the recent 14 July celebrations at the French embassy in Libreville, Ambassador Fabrice Mauriès revealed that President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema will soon undertake a state visit to Paris. The diplomat described this upcoming trip as the highest level of protocol engagement and a pivotal moment in strengthening relations between both nations.
Addressing government officials, the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the French community, Ambassador Mauriès emphasized that President Oligui Nguema will embark on this state visit to Paris within days, marking the most significant diplomatic engagement possible. He described the occasion as ‘a decisive step in consolidating our partnership’.
The ambassador highlighted that this development continues the momentum built since 2023, noting the Gabonese leader’s official visit to Paris in spring 2024 and the reciprocal visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Libreville. ‘This ever-expanding partnership is constantly evolving,’ he stated, adding that these high-level meetings signal a fresh phase in Franco-Gabonese cooperation across political, economic, and security domains.
Reaffirming France’s stance on Gabon’s political transition, Ambassador Mauriès declared that ‘Paris did not play any role in the transition; the fundamental choices for Gabon rest solely with the Gabonese people’. He reassured that France remains a steadfast partner, committed to supporting Gabon in shaping its collective future. ‘We are and will always be a reliable, engaged ally, dedicated to helping Gabon build this new chapter,’ he affirmed.
He further disclosed that the upcoming visit will solidify a new vision for economic relations between the two countries. ‘We will establish a mutually beneficial, win-win partnership that President Oligui Nguema has championed—and President Macron has endorsed,’ he noted. Several strategic initiatives are expected to be announced in Paris in the coming days, aligning with this shared vision.
Since the August 2023 regime change, Gabon and France have progressively redefined their bilateral ties. The cross-visits by President Oligui Nguema and President Macron have paved the way for a renewed cycle of cooperation in politics, economics, and security. The Gabonese leader’s state visit to Paris is poised to further cement this rapprochement, with multiple high-impact projects set to be unveiled.
