🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabon government clarifies new international traveler tax, promises review of existing levies
via Gabon Review4 min read
The Gabonese government has addressed concerns regarding a new tax for international travelers, stating it is solely to fund an air border security system compliant with international standards. The Minister of State, Minister of Transport, Merchant Marine, in charge of Logistics, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, explained that this measure stems from an agreement signed on May 21 with SECURIPORT LLC for the deployment of the API-PNR system. This system will finance the collection and early analysis of passenger data, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO recommendations. The government emphasizes that this contribution aims to strengthen air border control and combat transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism, and applies exclusively to international flights. Concurrently, authorities announced an audit of existing levies to eliminate those without added value, preventing an increase in air ticket prices. This dual approach seeks to balance enhanced air security with maintaining travelers' purchasing power, in line with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's vision for a civil aviation system meeting international safety and border control standards.
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The 5th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of Central African States ECCAS Specialized Technical Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs concluded in Libreville on July 7, 2026. The session finalized the report of the Council of Ministers of Justice, which will be presented to the upcoming Conference of Heads of State and Government for review. The objective of the session was to harmonize the community's legal framework to support institutional reforms and strengthen governance mechanisms within the community. Gabon's Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, in charge of Human Rights, Augustin Émane, praised the quality of discussions and the consensus reached. He highlighted that the adopted resolutions aim to build a modern, coherent, and effective community legal order to support ECCAS reforms and promote transparent governance. Participants reviewed and amended six decisions, including the organization of the Central African Regional Maritime Security Center, the protocol on the integrated border governance strategy, and ECCAS's humanitarian policy. Other approvals included the internal regulations of the Central African Regional Electricity Regulatory Commission, provisions for health in Central Africa, and the functioning of the multinational coordination centers for zones A and D. Participants emphasized the need to translate these conclusions into concrete actions to enhance the effectiveness of sub-regional institutions, consolidate the rule of law, foster j
A Gabonese delegation, led by National Assembly President Michel Régis Onanga M. Ndiaye, is actively participating in the 51st Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie APF in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from July 7 to 12. This international event brings together 300 to 400 parliamentarians from 42 sections. The session's central theme is "Multilateralism and State Sovereignty," with a particular focus on "peace as a vector for sustainable development for La Francophonie." The session aims to reconcile international cooperation with the affirmation of national sovereignties in a changing world. Parliamentarians will explore responses to political crises, democratic challenges, and economic, social, and environmental changes within the Francophone space. Discussions will cover topics such as the situation in Haiti, national reconciliation processes, ethics in the face of disinformation and artificial intelligence, climate-resilient agriculture, plastic pollution eradication, digital-era education, and combating disinformation. Specialized networks, including those for women and young parliamentarians, will address issues like "Women, Peace and Security," women's economic empowerment, and youth mobility and employability. The active participation of the Gabonese delegation, comprising deputies, senators, and parliamentary administration members, underscores the country's commitment to parliamentary diplomacy in Africa, contributing to common resolutions and the promotion
Must ReadThe Libreville Staff College EEML recently celebrated the graduation of its 34th class, comprising 60 officers from 11 African nations. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, marked the culmination of 43 weeks of intensive training. The graduating class was sponsored by the Vice-President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, and included, for the first time, an officer from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, along with five female officers from Gabon, Benin, and Madagascar. The curriculum combined theoretical instruction, operational planning, and field exercises, including immersion at the Gabonese Defense Forces Combat Training Center CEC-FOGA in Malibé. Graduates also earned a professional Master's degree in partnership with Omar Bongo University. Since its establishment 24 years ago, the EEML has trained over 1,590 African officers, fostering military cooperation between Gabon and France and strengthening Africa's defense capabilities. Dignitaries present, including the Ambassador, High Representative of the French Republic, and the Minister of State, Minister of National Defense, Brigitte Onkanowa, emphasized the importance of this training for addressing continental security challenges and promoting a common strategic culture. Vice-President Immongault highlighted the critical link between a strong defense and economic development, urging the graduates to embody the spirit of cooperation forged at Libreville as ambassadors of collective security in A