馃嚞馃嚘GabonCentral Africa
FISE Libreville 2026: Baie des Rois confirms its status as a key urban sports hub
via Gabon Review5 min read
From July 3 to 5, 2026, the Baie des Rois in Libreville will host the fourth edition of the International Festival of Extreme Sports FISE. This year's event introduces parkour and will feature delegations from various countries in the sub-region, including Cameroon. Emmanuel Edane, general director of the Fa莽ade maritime du Champ Triomphal FMCT, highlighted the event's growing influence, attracting a regional community of riders and promoting disciplines now part of the Olympic program. The festival will showcase core disciplines like skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMX across nearly 2,000 square meters of specially designed spaces. Libreville has become a recognized stop on the international urban sports circuit, joining cities like Tokyo and Montreal. Beyond the competition, Baie des Rois continues to develop as a modern and inclusive living space, having welcomed over two million visitors since 2023. This urban project integrates sustainable development, culture, leisure, sports, and job creation, positioning Libreville as a forward-looking city. Previous editions have seen significant success, with the first attracting over 3,000 daily spectators and the second introducing 3x3 basketball. The 2026 edition aims to continue this momentum, offering high-level sports entertainment and solidifying Baie des Rois as a place of gathering and inspiration for Gabonese and African youth.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
Must ReadOn July 1, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema officially handed over 18 billion FCFA worth of biomedical equipment to healthcare facilities across Gabon at the Owendo University Hospital Center. This initiative aims to strengthen hospital technical platforms, improve diagnostic capabilities, and enhance patient care, aligning with the government's healthcare infrastructure modernization program. During the ceremony, attended by healthcare professionals, administrative authorities, the mayor of Owendo, and the Minister of Health, President Nguema emphasized the importance of rigorous hospital management. He urged hospital officials to ensure strict management, regular maintenance of new equipment, improved drug traceability, and better patient reception and hospitalization conditions. He also strongly condemned the diversion of public hospital medications to private facilities, stating that these resources belong to patients. This investment and call for improved governance are intended to ensure access to modern, accessible, and quality care for all Gabonese citizens.
Must ReadGabonese journalist Freddy Koula Moussavou faces a critical judicial step on Friday, July 3, 2026, before the Court of Cassation. He was sentenced on appeal to six months in prison, three of which are firm, for "public insults." His lawyers are requesting a stay of execution, arguing that the conviction disregards the Communication Code and raises concerns about press freedom in Gabon. The request for a stay of execution will be examined at 11 AM in the chambers of the first president of the Court of Cassation, Julienne Nzamba Massounga. Koula's defense contends that the appellate decision is incompatible with Law No. 019/2016, which decriminalizes press offenses in Gabon. They assert that the statements in question were made in a professional context during a broadcast on Gabon 1猫re, where Koula was analyzing a press conference by the president of the Gabonese Football Federation Fegafoot, Pierre-Alain Mounguengui. The defense also highlights Article 40 of the Communication Code, which defines a journalist, and notes Koula's recognized career in international media, his press card from Gabonese authorities, and his role as a consultant for Radio France Internationale RFI. His lawyers argue that Article 41 requires journalists to report and analyze matters of public interest, making his statements part of his normal professional duties. This case has sparked a broader debate on press freedom, with media professionals and supporters questioning the implications of a prison sen
The Gabonese Agency for Food Safety Agasa issued a formal notice to Les Sucreries du Gabon following an unannounced inspection on June 27, 2026, at its production unit in Haut-Ogoou茅. Although Agasa's official communication did not name the company, the description of a sugarcane production facility in that province unambiguously points to Les Sucreries du Gabon, formerly SUCAF Gabon, the country's sole sugarcane producer. The inspection revealed several hygiene and storage deficiencies, including the presence of 172 expired inputs and 10 expired laboratory reagents. Agasa also noted non-compliance with regulatory requirements for input storage conditions. Samples of finished sugar products were collected for physicochemical and microbiological analysis to assess the potential impact of these issues on commercialized products. The results of these analyses will determine product conformity and any necessary administrative measures. No product recalls or activity suspensions have been announced yet, as Agasa awaits laboratory conclusions before deciding on further sanctions. Agasa emphasized that food safety regulations apply equally to all economic operators, regardless of their size or activity, to protect consumer health. Les Sucreries du Gabon, acquired by the Turkish MFB group, operates industrial sugarcane plantations and a processing plant in Haut-Ogoou茅, marketing brands like Reine and Princesse Tatie, which dominate the national sugar market.