On October 1, an important meeting was held in Oyo, Congo-Brazzaville, between the president of the Gabonese transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and the Congolese head of state, Denis Sassou-Nguesso. This visit aimed to strengthen relations between the two countries and to advocate for the restoration of Gabon within sub-regional institutions.
In a warm and respectful atmosphere, Brice Oligui Nguema was received by the Congolese Prime Minister, Anatole Collinet Makosso. Subsequently, he visited the grave of Edith Lucie Bongo, former first lady of Gabon and daughter of the Congolese head of state, in the company of her children. This symbolic gesture demonstrates the desire for reconciliation and appeasement between the two countries.
During his two-hour interview with Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Brice Oligui Nguema expressed his motivations for this historic visit. He wishes to consult, discuss and exchange with the Congolese president, considered a respected patriarch, in order to convey to the whole world the reasons for the coup d’état in Gabon and to better explain the current situation. Additionally, it seeks to ease sanctions from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and restore Gabon’s place on the international stage.
This visit received enthusiastic support from the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Claude Gakosso, who calls not only on the Gabonese, but also on the Congolese and other Central African countries to support Brice Oligui Nguema. He describes him as a humble, authentic and sincere man, ready to act with his heart for the good of his country and Africa as a whole.
This meeting between the Congolese and Gabonese presidents marks a turning point in relations between the two countries. It opens the way to a new era of cooperation and solidarity, where common interests will be put forward. The restoration of Gabon within sub-regional institutions is only a first step towards better integration of the entire Central African region.
In conclusion, the visit of the president of the Gabonese transition to Oyo, Congo-Brazzaville, testifies to a desire for renewal and rapprochement between the two countries. It allows dialogue to be re-established, the motivations for the coup d’état to be explained and Gabon to be advocated for a return to the international scene. Let us hope that this meeting marks the start of a new era of cooperation and prosperity for all of Central Africa.