Gabon's Coalition for the New Republic denounces "lawfare" in former Prime Minister Bilie-By-Nze's arrest
via Gabon Review2 min read
Eleven days after the incarceration of Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, the Coalition for the New Republic CNR and its allied parties convened on Saturday, April 25, in Libreville to systematically challenge the legal basis for the proceedings against the former Prime Minister. Vincent Moulengui Boukosso, president of the URDP and spokesperson for the platform, demanded Bilie-By-Nze's "immediate and unconditional" release. The case involves the apprehension of the president of Ensemble pour le Gabon EPG by masked individuals on April 15, his "manu militari" transfer to the General Directorate of Research, and a complaint for fraud and breach of trust stemming from a dispute in 2008. The coalition aims to shift the debate to legal and republican coherence. The CNR disputes the fraud charge, stating there is no legal element to establish fraudulent maneuvering. They also argue that the breach of trust charge is unfounded, as funds were never given directly to Bilie-By-Nze but were deposited into an account for a voluntary contribution to the organizing committee. The coalition emphasizes that an acknowledgment of receipt cannot be confused with a recognition of debt. Furthermore, they assert that under the Gabonese Penal Code and Ohada law, the statute of limitations has long expired, eighteen years after the alleged events. Moulengui Boukosso stated that this is clearly a case of "lawfare," where law and justice are used as weapons to weaken or eliminate a political adversary withou
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Turkish Airlines will discontinue its Istanbul-Libreville route, with the final flight scheduled for June 6, 2026, and official suspension by June 15. This decision is part of a broader retraction by the airline from eighteen destinations globally, including several in Africa such as Bissau, Freetown, Juba, Kinshasa, Monrovia, Luanda, Lusaka, and Pointe-Noire. The move, reported by AeroRoutes and confirmed by the Gabonese Press Agency, is attributed to economic factors, including the declining attractiveness of Libreville's airport due to high surcharges and fees, rising kerosene prices, and a strategic refocus by Turkish Airlines to rationalize operations amid volatile costs and intense competition. The departure of Turkish Airlines, which provided the only near-direct link to Eurasia, is expected to severely affect Gabon's connectivity, particularly for mining, forestry, and oil operators, as well as for medical evacuations and business tourism. Travelers will now face longer and more expensive journeys via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc, Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, or Lomé with ASKY. This reduction in flight options is also anticipated to lead to increased ticket prices among remaining carriers and undermines Léon-Mba Airport's ambition to be a regional hub.
Ten tons of royal shrimp were landed in Port-Gentil on April 24, in the presence of the Minister of the Sea, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Aimé Martial Massamba. This catch is the result of a six-month exploratory fishing campaign conducted by the shipowner Astipeche in Gabon's Exclusive Economic Zone, aimed at mapping the potential of bottom crustaceans. The operation is strategically important for the Gabonese state to assess the capacity of private operators to structure a still fragile link in the fisheries value chain. The Minister highlighted the need for the state, through private operators, to organize landing and storage units. Initial data from the catches show optimism regarding the economic viability of the bottom shrimp segment, suggesting a possible extension of the exploration permit. Operators emphasize the rigorous and experimental nature of the campaign, based on collecting and analyzing scientific data with the support of onboard observers. Despite this success, the sector faces challenges such as the high cost of diesel, increased competition from imported shrimp, and the obsolescence of some fishing areas. A representative from Amerger Gabon reported a 40% decrease in turnover in 2025 due to the influx of low-taxed imported products. The government plans to strengthen its role as a regulator and support local actors to improve the sector's competitiveness and preserve this strategic activity for the national economy.
Eramet Group reported a 13% increase in its adjusted revenue for the first quarter of 2026, reaching 840 million euros. This growth was primarily fueled by higher manganese volumes in Gabon and the ramp-up of lithium production in Argentina. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the company demonstrated solid operational performance. CEO Christel Bories highlighted the Group's ability to adapt and meet its objectives in a challenging economic environment. Gabon's operations were a key driver, with manganese ore transport via railway increasing by 16% to 1.6 million tons compared to the same period in 2025. This improvement is attributed to enhanced infrastructure and logistical optimization, particularly on the Transgabonais railway. External sales of manganese ore also rose by 10%, indicating robust demand. The manganese segment alone generated 464 million euros in revenue, a 2% increase, driven by higher volumes and prices, though partially offset by unfavorable exchange rates. Globally, Eramet benefited from a positive volume/mix effect of 15% and a favorable price effect of 7%, mainly for manganese. However, these gains were largely neutralized by a 9% decline in the dollar and increased input costs, including energy and transport. The group also noted geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which could fuel inflationary pressures. Eramet's strategy focuses on safety, operational performance, and cash flow management. The company plans a financing initiative, i
Must ReadOn April 25, members of the Gabonese diaspora held a protest outside the Gabonese embassy in Paris, expressing their disapproval of the country's deteriorating situation regarding civic liberties. The demonstrators accused the government of Oligui Nguema of systematically undermining civil freedoms and failing to deliver on its promises. Bernard Rekoula, a whistleblower and political commentator, stated that the protest aimed to highlight the increasing attacks on civic rights and freedoms. The protesters demanded the immediate release of Bob Fernand Mengome, who they claim is in prolonged pre-trial detention without legal necessity. They also drew attention to the case of Kelane Obone Eyeme, mother of 23-month-old Bibana Berekia, who disappeared nearly a year ago in Libreville. Eyeme was reportedly arrested, detained, and abused after criticizing President Oligui Nguema and his wife, Zita Oligui, on social media. Controversial ordinances, the nationality code, and the suspension of social networks were also condemned by the protesters. Notable figures present included Eloise Bouanga, Thibault Adjatys, Franck Jocktane, and Hugues Sylvain Mefane Metoua, who had previously organized protests during Ali Bongo's presidency. Some Gabonese students also attended but declined to be filmed, fearing reprisals or scholarship cancellations. The diaspora announced plans for further mobilization.