🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabon intercepts three Congolese trawlers for illegal fishing near Mayumba
via Gabon Review2 min read
Gabon's Ministry of the Sea, Fisheries, and Blue Economy announced on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the interception of three Congolese-flagged trawlers on July 18 in the Grand Sud Aquatic Reserve off Mayumba. The vessels, identified as Ron Chang 19, Ron Chang 26, and Chang Hui 1, were suspected of illegal, unreported, and unregulated IUU fishing within Gabonese waters. This operation was part of the second maritime patrol of Operation Albacore 2026, an initiative to enhance surveillance of Gabon's exclusive economic zone and protect national fishing resources. Approximately 20 tons of fish products were seized from the intercepted vessels. The trawlers were diverted to Libreville for legal and administrative proceedings. Two other vessels involved in the incident reportedly fled. The Ministry emphasized that this intervention demonstrates the government's commitment to combating IUU fishing, preserving national fishery resources, and upholding Gabon's maritime sovereignty. The Ministry also highlighted the importance of operational cooperation between national services and NGOs in strengthening surveillance and control capabilities in sensitive fishing areas. The department, led by Minister Aimé Martial Massamba, reaffirmed that all violations of Gabonese fishing legislation will be prosecuted and announced continuous reinforcement of surveillance and control measures to ensure sustainable exploitation of the country's fishery resources.
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After two days of intensive work in Libreville, the national workshop for the validation of Gabon's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NBSAP concluded on July 21, 2026. Experts finalized technical proposals for the document, which will now be transmitted to the government, marking a crucial step towards implementing Gabon's commitments to biodiversity preservation. The workshop gathered experts, public administrations, technical and financial partners, and civil society representatives. Participants expressed satisfaction with the outcomes after a thorough review of the document, which is designed to guide national biodiversity conservation policies. During the final day, five working groups refined the action plan, focusing on activities, targets, monitoring indicators, and the overall implementation chain. Aimé Serge Mibambani Ndimba, focal point for the Convention on Biological Diversity, explained that the work involved amending and validating proposals within the action plan, reviewing activities in relation to targets, and establishing indicators and the projection chain. Delphin Mapaga, Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment, closed the proceedings by commending the contributions and emphasizing that technical validation is merely the first step, with the true challenge lying in effective field implementation. He instructed the coordination team to incorporate final observations to finalize the definitive version for government approval before lau
During his official visit to France, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema announced on July 21, 2026, in Paris, the return of Alain Giresse to the technical staff of the Gabonese national football team, the Panthères. Giresse, who previously coached Gabon to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, is expected to assume the role of national technical director. The announcement was made during a gala dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on July 22, 2026. President Oligui Nguema paid tribute to several French football figures before confirming the 72-year-old technician's return, stating, "I announce to everyone that Alain Giresse, present here, will join the staff of the Gabonese national football team." He justified this choice by highlighting Giresse's experience during his previous tenure, adding, "We need you and I know what you brought to our national team at the time." Alain Giresse served as Gabon's coach from 2006 to 2010, leading the Panthères to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations finals and overseeing a significant rebuilding of the team with the integration of young talents. As national technical director, Giresse is expected to work alongside Sébastien Migné, the recently appointed coach of the Panthères by the Gabonese Football Federation, to enhance the team's performance.
Gabon is exploring a legal status for traditional authorities. On July 21, a delegation of kings and traditional chiefs, led by His Majesty Louis Paul Eliwatchango, AgunguMpongwé King, met with the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Augustin Emane. The customary authorities presented a draft text proposing the creation of a legal structure for traditional chieftaincies in the Gabonese Republic. This document, over fifty pages long with annexes, aims to provide chieftaincies with a legal framework defining their organization, missions, rights, and obligations. The initiative, which began in June, seeks to integrate ancestral practices with modern legal guarantees, ensuring their actions are recognized within a stable national framework. The AgunguMpongwé King explained that this initiative officially recognizes the role of traditional authorities in national life without replacing state institutions. He stated that traditional leaders provide spiritual support to the country. The project outlines the designation and enthronement of sovereigns, respecting customs while including morality investigations. These provisions aim to establish order and discipline within traditional chieftaincies for state recognition. Louis Paul Eliwatchango emphasized the social and spiritual significance of future legal recognition, viewing the king as a national cohesion builder, preserving harmony, and conducting spiritual actions for peace. The annexes detail responsibilities, aiming to e