Manganese and a military base on the programme of the Gabonese President's state visit to Paris

The president of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, arrived in Paris on July 20 for a three-day state visit, during which he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. The agenda includes discussions on local processing of manganese, a key resource for steelmaking, and the future of the French military base in Libreville. This marks the second official visit to France by the Gabonese leader since taking power following a coup in August 2023 that ended 55 years of rule by the Bongo family. Nguema was elected president with nearly 95% of the vote in April 2025. During his stay, Nguema will be accompanied by business leaders, political figures, and journalists. He will engage in talks with Macron, focusing on follow-up actions regarding agreements signed during Macron’s previous state visit to Gabon in November 2024. A spokesperson for the Gabonese presidency, Théophane Nzame-Nze Biyoghe, noted that this meeting aims to ensure progress on these commitments. The visit comes amid shifting dynamics in Francophone Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where French influence has been waning. Despite this trend, the Gabon remains a close ally of France. A formal dinner at the Elysée Palace is scheduled, followed by memorial ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe and at the military fortress of Mont-Valérien. Discussions between the two nations will initially center on the local processing of manganese, which Gabon is one of the world's leading producers of. In mid-2025, Libreville announced plans to prohibit the export of raw manganese starting in 2029, aiming to develop a domestic industry that creates jobs and adds value locally. According to the Gabonese presidential spokesperson, from January 1, 2029, all manganese exports must originate from processed material produced within the country. French officials have expressed willingness to support Gabon’s goals in transforming its manganese output. The dialogue will also address the renewal of defense cooperation and the future of the French military base known as Camp de Gaulle in Libreville. As part of its military restructuring in Africa, France has reduced its presence in Gabon to around 100 troops, down from 1,200 previously. The Gabonese side expects the transfer of land rights related to the base to the national government, after which the site would be renamed in honor of a Gabonese general and used for training the country’s security forces. French authorities have confirmed readiness to align with Gabon’s priorities regarding the handover of the base. In addition to bilateral meetings, Nguema will meet members of the Gabonese diaspora in France. His spokesperson has invited individuals holding opposing views on the current political direction to participate in open discussions among fellow citizens. There is growing concern over potential shifts toward repression under the new administration, especially following the recent shutdown of social media platforms starting February 17. The visit underscores the ongoing strategic relationship between France and Gabon, even as broader regional trends challenge traditional alliances. With economic and security interests intertwined, both nations seek to strengthen their partnership through collaboration on resources and defense matters. The outcome of these discussions could shape the trajectory of Franco-Gabonese relations in the coming months.