Gabon and the European Union have taken a significant step forward in their strategic partnership, with a high-level dialogue session at the Palais des Congrès Omar Bongo Ondimba in Libreville. Led by Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, representing the Head of State, and EU Ambassador to Gabon Cécile Abadie, the 2026 session marks two years since the 2024 talks and comes amid Gabon’s new political landscape following the April 2025 presidential election.
The discussions focused on key areas such as political reforms, economic prospects, governance, environmental protection, and regional and multilateral cooperation. The aim is clear: to consolidate Gabon’s institutional stability and foster a model of sustainable co-investment that benefits both partners.
« We have successfully completed the transition phase and, since the presidential election of 12 April 2025, embarked on a new institutional dynamic marked by the establishment of the Fifth Republic », declared Hermann Immongault. He emphasized Gabon’s shift from a model reliant on aid and support to one grounded in structured economic partnerships, emphasizing local value creation, skills transfer, and human capital development. The Samoa Agreement now serves as the guiding framework for this renewed cooperation.
« The protection of Gabon’s natural heritage is not just a national policy—it is a global challenge that requires fairer recognition of the efforts made by countries actively safeguarding it », he added. Immongault called for stronger international financing mechanisms to support ecological transition, balancing economic growth, industrialization, and environmental preservation. Gabon also reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, stability in Central Africa, and the security of the Gulf of Guinea.
Strengthening economic ties and environmental responsibility
EU Ambassador Cécile Abadie praised the quality of the dialogue, stressing the need to adapt cooperation tools between Gabon and the EU. She highlighted the importance of a renewed partnership aligned with shared priorities. Emphasizing a preference for open exchanges, she reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Gabon in a more balanced cooperation effort—one focused on investments, reforms, and tangible outcomes for both sides.
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