During the recent 14 July celebrations in Libreville, Ambassador Fabrice Mauriès made a significant declaration about the future of military cooperation between France and Gabon. He confirmed that Camp De Gaulle, long a symbol of bilateral defense ties, is no longer functioning as a traditional French base.
The transformation of Camp De Gaulle marks the final phase of a carefully co-constructed process between Libreville and Paris, aimed at modernizing their defense partnership. Ambassador Mauriès emphasized that this evolution reflects the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, rooted in decades of military collaboration.
The Inter-Armed Liaison Detachment in Gabon (DLI-G) now oversees operational cooperation, while regional training schools continue their educational missions. The Ambassador highlighted that within weeks, this partnership will stabilize under a new framework, with Camp De Gaulle shedding its status as a French base to adopt a fresh identity aligned with current security priorities.
Beyond military restructuring, bilateral efforts are expanding into critical areas such as domestic security and justice. A new National Financial Prosecutor’s Office is in development, with joint initiatives targeting drug trafficking, irregular migration, border surveillance, and capacity-building for police, gendarmerie, firefighters, and prison administration.
This strategic recalibration follows the 2023 regime change in Gabon, which prompted both countries to redefine their military cooperation. The shift from French Elements in Gabon (EFG) to the Inter-Armed Liaison Detachment (DLI-G) reflects a focus on training, advisory roles, and operational support rather than a permanent troop presence.
The transformation of Camp De Gaulle underscores a broader commitment to fostering a partnership that adapts to the evolving security landscape of Central Africa.
