Gabon monitors its citizens in South Africa amid migration tensions
via Gabon Review4 min read
The Gabonese government is closely monitoring the situation of its citizens in South Africa due to ongoing tensions related to migration. A vigilance unit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Integration, and Diaspora met on July 1 with Gabon's Ambassador to Pretoria, Rembendambia, to assess the status of the Gabonese community. According to an official statement, the situation is considered under control, with the Gabonese community reportedly aware and mobilized. The embassy expressed confidence in the well-being of its citizens in South Africa, and precautionary and security measures have been communicated to them to prevent incidents. Regarding potential repatriation, the ministry remains alert and awaits instructions from the highest state authorities, including the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, with no decision made yet. South African authorities have been officially contacted to facilitate coordinated and secure evacuations if necessary, ensuring the protection of Gabonese citizens within a diplomatic framework. Tensions in South Africa escalated on June 30, 2026, following demonstrations concerning migration, which prompted Gabonese authorities to enhance their monitoring and activate a permanent vigilance unit. Anti-immigration movements had issued an ultimatum for June 30, demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals, leading to panic and hurried departures among some migrants.
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Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Influence, and Arts, responsible for Associative Life, met with a delegation from the Turkish group NUMAN International in Libreville on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The discussions focused on the company's expertise in designing sports infrastructure and potential cooperation for modernizing Gabon's sports facilities. This meeting follows the minister's announcement of a comprehensive program to rehabilitate sports and cultural equipment within two years. NUMAN International, led by its CEO Numan Hatipoglu, presented its capabilities in the design, construction, and support of sports infrastructure projects. The Turkish firm is positioning itself as a potential partner in Gabon's efforts to modernize its national sports facilities. Following the meeting, the delegation visited two key Gabonese sports sites: the multi-sport stadium and the Sports Palace in Libreville, to assess existing infrastructure and identify rehabilitation needs. NUMAN International expressed its readiness to offer its expertise to the ministry. The minister emphasized that upgrading sports infrastructure is a priority for his department, aligning with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's vision to use sports as a tool for social cohesion, training, and development. This initiative aims to attract technical and economic partners to revitalize Gabon's sports sector, enhance the appeal of national facilities, and promote Gabonese sports,
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