Gabon: RPM calls for restraint from Ali Bongo after his remarks against Oligui Nguema
via Gabon Review2 min read
The Rally for the Homeland and Modernity RPM has expressed surprise at the form and tone of Ali Bongo's recent statement, which was a response to an interview given by Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on France24. In a communiqu茅 published on June 4, the RPM stated it was astonished by the communiqu茅 issued on June 3, 2026, in Ali Bongo Ondimba's name via a proxy and spokesperson. The party, whose interim presidency is held by Jean-Robert Goulongana, found it surprising that the former President, who is reportedly in full mental faculties, would need an intermediary to respond to the Head of State. The RPM questioned the significance of this approach, especially since Ali Bongo claims to be fully capable of speaking for himself. The party also expressed astonishment at the "particularly aggressive tone" used by the former Head of State towards Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, noting that the latter ensured Ali Bongo's security after the events of August 30, 2023. The RPM highlighted that Ali Bongo Ondimba and his family officially left Gabon for humanitarian reasons, with the option to return freely. However, the party criticized his political record, describing his governance as having led the country into political, economic, and social deadlock, ultimately precipitating his downfall. The RPM believes Ali Bongo is more concerned with rewriting his legacy than with introspection. Recalling the former President's statements that he no longer wished to seek the votes of Gabonese citi
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During his state visit to France, Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met with Gabonese diplomats and embassy staff in Paris on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The Ambassador of Gabon to France, Alfred Nguia Banda, outlined the challenges faced by diplomatic representations, including operational deficiencies and disciplinary problems. He highlighted issues such as unjustified absences, repeated delays, and failures to meet public service requirements, which he stated affect the institution's functioning and diplomatic effectiveness. The ambassador also requested increased material and human resources to enable the embassy to fulfill its missions and enhance Gabon's international standing. President Oligui Nguema acknowledged these concerns and pledged to implement corrective measures to improve the operating conditions of Gabonese diplomatic missions. However, he also emphasized the need for discipline, punctuality, professionalism, and a sense of duty from all staff, reminding them that each diplomat represents the Gabonese Republic abroad. He urged agents to demonstrate greater responsibility and serve the country with loyalty, rigor, and dignity, stating that a high-performing, credible, and mobilized diplomatic administration is essential for Gabon's new national dynamic. The President's visit aims to leverage Gabonese diplomacy as a strategic tool for development and influence, with the modernization of external representations being a key objective for repositioning
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met with Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, in Paris during his state visit on July 19, 2026. The discussions focused on a code-sharing agreement between Air France and Fly Gabon, expected to be implemented by the end of the year. This agreement aims to allow Fly Gabon to sell tickets to Paris under its own code, marking a first for the national airline on this route. The partnership is anticipated to expand travel connections, improve travel fluidity between Central Africa, Europe, and the rest of the world, and enhance price competitiveness on the Libreville-Paris route. President Oligui Nguema's vision is to establish Libreville as a regional air hub, stimulating passenger traffic, connecting Gabon to international transport networks, boosting tourism, and increasing the country's appeal to investors. The visit, which began with President Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema being welcomed by French Minister of Culture Catherine P茅gard, underscores efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Gabon and France.
Must ReadGabon's Special Advisor and Spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic, Th茅ophane Nzame-Nze Biyoghe, addressed the ongoing suspension of several digital platforms and social networks, reiterating its temporary and conservative nature. During a press conference on July 17 in Libreville, he rejected a purely political interpretation, stating the measure primarily aims to regulate and protect the population, especially the youth. He emphasized that the decision was deliberate, not arbitrary, and intended to safeguard public order and citizen security. Biyoghe noted that the government has been in dialogue with major digital platforms for months to enhance content control. He cited cooperation with TikTok, where agents from the High Authority of Communication HAC received training from TikTok's regional representation in Africa. This collaboration, which the Minister of Digital Economy has also pursued, has led to the removal of certain accounts and over 20,000 harmful contents from the platform. The spokesperson stressed that this regulatory policy extends beyond political considerations, highlighting the state's broader responsibility to protect citizens, particularly the youth, from the significant influence of digital platforms on behavior and values. He also mentioned that Gabon is not acting in isolation, as other states are considering similar social media regulations. Biyoghe confirmed that discussions with TikTok resulted in an agreement to identify problematic cont