Gabon is witnessing an unprecedented surge in anti-French sentiment, with 78% of citizens now viewing the country’s historical ties with Paris as detrimental—a sharp contrast to the mere 20% who hold favorable views. This dramatic shift positions France as the least popular foreign actor in Libreville, a stark reversal for a nation once regarded as a cornerstone of French influence in the Gulf of Guinea.
While France struggles to maintain its standing, other global players are gaining ground. China leads with a 61% approval rating, followed closely by the African Union (60%), the United States (47%), and Russia (43%). For many Gabonese, Beijing’s pragmatic approach—focusing on tangible projects like infrastructure and trade—has made it a far more appealing partner than the former colonial power.
Regional wave of rethinking foreign alliances
Gabon’s growing disillusionment with France is not an isolated trend. Since French forces withdrew from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, skepticism toward Paris has spread across West and Central Africa. Chad has pushed for revisions to its defense agreements, Senegal has closed French military bases, and Côte d’Ivoire has followed suit. Gabon, under the transitional leadership of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema since August 2023, is now part of this broader movement to reassess inherited partnerships.
The symbolic reduction of France’s military footprint—including the downsizing of the French Elements in Gabon (EFG) to a cooperative mission—aligns with Libreville’s push for sovereignty. Public discourse in Gabon now emphasizes diversification, with citizens increasingly rejecting what they perceive as an unequal relationship.
China’s strategic rise in Gabon’s economy
China’s growing influence in Gabon goes beyond loans and infrastructure. Its appeal lies in a non-interference policy that avoids political demands, offering instead clear deliverables like roads, hospitals, and telecommunications. Gabon’s manganese exports to China further cement this transactional relationship, which many view as more straightforward than the complexities of Franco-Gabonese ties.
Russia, though lacking China’s economic footprint, has cultivated goodwill through an anti-Western narrative amplified on social media. With 43% favorable opinions, Moscow benefits from its sovereignist stance, particularly among urban youth. Meanwhile, the African Union’s 60% approval rate underscores the enduring legitimacy of continental multilateralism, even as Gabon remains suspended following its 2023 coup.
Strategic wake-up call for France
France’s plummeting approval ratings in Gabon pose a critical challenge to its economic and diplomatic interests. Major French companies—including Eramet in manganese, TotalEnergies in hydrocarbons, and banking and logistics firms—operate in the country, and their future could hinge on shifting public opinion. As Gabon’s transitional authorities reassess public tenders, Paris risks losing ground unless it fundamentally rethinks its approach.
Longstanding issues like the CFA franc debate, cultural restitution disputes, and post-independence interventions continue to fuel resentment. Afrobarometer’s findings suggest that cosmetic adjustments won’t suffice—France must overhaul its diplomatic strategy to regain trust in Gabon.
The upcoming presidential election and return to constitutional order could reshape the landscape. The new government will face a delicate balance between maintaining economic ties, addressing public pressure for change, and evaluating offers from China, the U.S., and Russia. The path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Gabon’s relationship with France is at a crossroads.