Gabon's President Oligui Nguema begins three-day state visit to France

Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema arrived in France on Monday for a three-day official visit, one of the highest-profile trips by an African head of state to Paris this year. The visit underscores the durability of ties between France and Gabon even as Paris's relationships with several other former colonies in the region have deteriorated in recent years.

Officials from both governments said talks would center on mineral resources, including Gabon's manganese exports, as well as continued military cooperation, with France maintaining a security presence in the country. Gabonese officials described the relationship as a partnership rather than a legacy arrangement, pointing to joint economic projects announced in previous years.

Oligui Nguema, who took power after a 2023 coup and was later elected president, has sought to present Gabon as a stable and reliable partner for Western governments. Analysts say France views Gabon as an anchor for its remaining influence in Central Africa as it recalibrates its footprint elsewhere on the continent.