Newsletters
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s commitment to redefining its relationship with Africa during a visit to Gabon on Sunday, saying the continent must no longer serve as a source of raw materials alone.
Speaking in Libreville after meeting Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema, Macron said France supports “win-win partnerships” that respect the interests of all parties.
He emphasized the need for reinvented cooperation, building on remarks he first made in Burkina Faso in 2017.
“Africa can no longer be a continent of simple resource extraction,” Macron said, calling for new collaboration models in sectors such as energy and infrastructure.
Macron praised Gabon’s ongoing political transition following the 2023 coup that brought Nguema to power.
He described the change as the start of “a new era based on renewal, inclusiveness, and the plurality of opinions,” adding that France supported the transition from the outset.
Security has long been central to France-Gabon ties. Macron said the bilateral defense partnership has been “totally transformed,” now focused on training, joint exercises, and new equipment programs.
After assuming office, Nguema renewed defense cooperation between the two countries.
Macron highlighted France’s support for Gabon’s infrastructure development, including the French Development Agency’s involvement in renovating the Trans-Gabon Railway, considered vital for economic activity and passenger transport.
Nguema said Macron’s visit reflects a shared desire to “make a new start” and rebuild cooperation based on trust, dialogue, and equality.
He said Gabon has launched an ambitious economic transformation aimed at improving living conditions and developing national resources.
Macron’s visit to Gabon is part of a broader African tour that began in Mauritius and South Africa. He is scheduled to travel to Angola on Monday.
2 min read
