The Gabonese president’s diplomatic tour in the sub-region is soon coming to an end, raising hopes of Gabon’s return to the concert of nations. Despite the sanctions and suspension imposed by ECCAS and the African Union following the takeover of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the Gabonese leader has increased his visits to countries in his region, as well as to various international summits. In the space of three months, he met with almost all of the region’s heads of state, with the exception of the Angolan president.
The objectives of this tour were clear: to present the motivations which led General Oligui Nguema to take power and to reassure the leaders of the region as to the desire of the Gabonese to live in a new era. The bilateral meetings and international summits were thus an opportunity for the Gabonese president to share his aspirations for a better future for Gabon and to obtain assurances of support from his counterparts.
According to the spokesperson for the Gabonese presidency, Télesphore Obame Ngomo, no president has expressed a desire to keep the country under sanctions. On the contrary, many leaders in the region have shown their support and understanding of the Gabonese situation. This is particularly the case of Cameroon, which would have promised total support for Gabon.
Gabon believes it has done everything possible to justify its takeover and to allay the concerns of its neighbors. The fact that the transition was bloodless also worked in his favor. In addition, a transition timetable was unveiled almost a month ago, thus meeting partners’ requirements for a possible lifting of sanctions.
Despite this progress, Gabon remains awaiting a final decision regarding the lifting of sanctions. An extraordinary meeting of the ECCAS is planned in Malabo on December 15, and the Gabonese authorities hope that it will result in a favorable decision. For now, they hope that the emotional period experienced by the country will soon be behind it, and that it will finally be able to move forward towards a better future.
In conclusion, the diplomatic tour of the Gabonese president in the sub-region was a crucial moment to justify the takeover of power and to obtain the support of neighboring countries. While Gabon has done everything possible to allay concerns and present its vision of a better future, it is still waiting for the sanctions to be lifted. The extraordinary ECCAS summit will therefore be a decisive step in this process. To be followed closely.