During his official visit to France, Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema will focus on reinforcing bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and security sectors. The talks, scheduled for July 20, 2026, follow agreements made in Libreville in November 2025 between Gabon and French authorities.

Local processing of manganese takes center stage

A major point of discussion will be Gabon’s push for local transformation of its manganese, mined by Comilog, a subsidiary of the French group Eramet. Authorities in Libreville have set a firm deadline: by January 2029, all manganese must undergo initial processing before export. While Paris supports the principle, negotiations are underway to extend the timeline, citing the need for substantial investments in industrial and energy infrastructure. «This is the core objective of the President’s visit,» emphasized a spokesperson for President Oligui Nguema earlier this week.

Military cooperation and the future of Libreville’s base

The future of Gabon’s military cooperation with France will also be on the agenda. Libreville is pushing for greater disengagement, including the transfer of the Camp de Gaulle site—once a French military base—to Gabonese control and its renaming. Over time, military ties are expected to focus exclusively on training programs. Gabon’s diversification of international partnerships, notably with China, Turkey, and India, reflects this strategic shift, though France remains Gabon’s top diplomatic ally.

Water supply and infrastructure challenges

Another critical topic is the water supply agreement signed with Suez a year ago. Despite commitments totaling 120 billion CFA francs, delays have hindered progress. French officials have repeatedly called for adherence to the agreed terms.

Gabon’s debt crisis looms large

While not officially on the agenda, Gabon’s debt—exceeding 70% of GDP—remains a pressing concern. Libreville has initiated a comprehensive audit, with results expected this month. Simultaneously, Gabon is pursuing a program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, as of late June, the IMF noted several pending documents. France, which currently chairs the Paris Club, is advocating for a negotiated financial solution to ease Gabon’s debt burden, which is raising alarms across West Africa due to its impact on exchange rates and risks to the stability of the CFA franc.