Gabon turns away from France: 78% hold negative views

Negative sentiment toward France in Gabon has surged to unprecedented levels. Recent findings from Afrobarometer, a leading independent African polling network, reveal that 78% of respondents in Libreville now view French influence as detrimental, while only 20% hold favorable opinions. This stark contrast positions France as the least favored external partner in a nation once regarded as a cornerstone of Francophone stability in West Africa.

The disparity is even more pronounced when compared to other global players. China leads with a 61% approval rating, followed closely by the African Union at 60%, the United States at 47%, and Russia at 43%. In effect, Beijing is now perceived as three times more legitimate than Paris in the eyes of Gabonians. This reversal underscores a sweeping shift in diplomatic perceptions across a country where France’s economic and military footprint was once deemed unshakable.

Regional backlash fuels anti-French sentiment

The Gabonese case is not an isolated incident. Since French forces withdrew from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, opposition to Paris’s role has spread rapidly across West and Central Africa. Chad moved to renegotiate its defense agreements in late 2024, Senegal secured the closure of French military bases, and Côte d’Ivoire followed suit. Gabon, under the transitional leadership of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema since August 2023, mirrors this broader trend of reassessing inherited partnerships.

Symbolically, the phased withdrawal of French troops and the downsizing of the French Elements in Gabon (EFG) to a cooperation mission have accompanied this shift. Official discourse in Libreville, emphasizing sovereignty and diversified alliances, resonates with a public weary of an asymmetric relationship.

China’s quiet rise in Gabon

China’s growing influence in Gabon isn’t merely a result of infrastructure investments or financial aid. It stems from a conflict-free communication strategy that prioritizes tangible deliverables—roads, hospitals, and telecommunications—over political demands. The demand for Gabonese manganese, a critical resource for Beijing, has cemented this transactional relationship, which many citizens find clearer and more straightforward than the complexities of Franco-Gabonese ties.

Russia, with a 43% favorability rating, has gained ground through a sovereigntist narrative amplified by social media. Though lacking China’s or France’s economic footprint, Moscow benefits from a youthful, urban audience that resonates with its anti-Western stance. Meanwhile, the African Union’s 60% approval reflects the enduring appeal of continental multilateralism, even amid Gabon’s suspension following the 2023 coup.

A wake-up call for French diplomacy

For French foreign policy, these findings serve as a stark strategic warning. Gabon remains vital to France’s economic interests, with major players like Eramet (manganese), TotalEnergies (hydrocarbons), and banking subsidiaries deeply embedded in the country’s economy. As transitional authorities reassess public tenders, the erosion of France’s image could jeopardize these positions.

Underlying issues—such as debates over the CFA franc, restitution of cultural artifacts, and memories of post-independence interference—fuel deep-seated resentment. Mere cosmetic adjustments in communication will not suffice; a fundamental overhaul of France’s diplomatic approach is required to regain public trust.

The upcoming political transition in Gabon, culminating in a presidential election and return to constitutional order, could reshape the landscape. The next government will face a critical choice: balancing economic continuity, public pressure for change, and the allure of offers from China, the U.S., and Russia.