The visit of the Gabonese president to Brussels, a sign of strengthening ties with the EU

2 mins

The key moment of the Gabonese transitional president’s visit to Brussels was a working meeting and political exchanges with the European External Action Service, EU diplomacy and the President of the European Council Charles Michel. It was he who invited Brice Oligui Nguema.

For the European Union, cooperation with Gabon during this period of transition is one of the successes of the African policy of the European Union (EU). Brice Oligui Nguema assured the Europeans of his intention to “ respect its international commitments “.

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The overhaul of the Electoral Code as well as the establishment of the electoral register were also among their discussions, as was the economic modernization of the Gabon specifically, rail, road and schools.

Towards an exemplary transition?

For Europeans, Gabon is not a state like any other, it is a “ exemplary transition for the continent » according to a European official who takes stock of this meeting. He points out that the Gabonese president has asked the EU to send an observation mission for next year’s elections, a request which could well be received favorably, as the Europeans seem keen to mark a ” strong political support » — especially after the return of EU experts who approved the conduct of the referendum on November 16.

During the 2023 coup d’état against Ali Bongo, the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell estimated, rather positively, that it was not a normal coup d’état and when making way for the new team to head of the EU institutions, the outgoing European leaders are pleased to end their mandate on ” a positive note » in their relations with Africa.

Also readA year of transition in Gabon: an economy in search of confidence and growth