Public sentiment in Gabon toward France has plummeted to historic lows. Fresh survey data reveals that 78% of Gabonese respondents now view Paris’s influence in their country as detrimental, while only 20% hold favorable opinions. This stark contrast marks France as the least trusted foreign actor in Libreville, despite Gabon’s long-standing reputation as a cornerstone of Francophone stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
The disparity is even more pronounced when compared to other global partners. China tops the list with a 61% positive approval rate, followed closely by the African Union at 60%, the United States at 47%, and Russia at 43%. For many Gabonese citizens, Beijing has emerged as a partner nearly three times more credible than Paris. This reversal underscores a sweeping shift in diplomatic perceptions, eroding the once-unshakable foundations of France’s economic and military presence in the region.
Part of a broader continental shift
Gabon’s growing disenchantment with France is not an isolated incident. Since French forces withdrew from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, anti-Paris sentiment has surged across West Africa. In late 2024, Chad initiated a review of its defense agreements with France, while Senegal secured the closure of French military bases and Côte d’Ivoire followed suit. Gabon’s military-led transition, led by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema since August 2023, aligns with this regional trend of re-evaluating inherited partnerships.
The symbolic and practical withdrawal of French military installations, including the scaling down of the French Forces in Gabon (EFG) to a mere cooperation mission, has mirrored this sentiment. Libreville’s official stance, emphasizing sovereignty and diversified alliances, resonates with a populace weary of perceived unequal relationships.
China’s strategic rise in Gabon’s new landscape
China’s ascendancy in Gabon extends beyond financial investments or infrastructure projects. Its appeal lies in a conflict-free diplomatic approach that avoids political demands, instead focusing on tangible deliverables like roads, hospitals, and telecommunications networks. The trade of Gabonese manganese, a critical resource for Beijing, further cements this transactional relationship that many citizens find more straightforward than the convoluted ties with France.
Russia, with a 43% favorable rating, has cultivated goodwill through an anti-Western narrative amplified across social media platforms. Despite lacking China’s economic footprint or France’s historical ties, Moscow benefits from a sovereignist discourse that resonates with urban, digitally connected youth. Meanwhile, the African Union’s 60% approval rating highlights the enduring legitimacy of continental multilateralism, even as Gabon remains suspended following its 2023 coup.
A wake-up call for France’s foreign policy
For French diplomacy, these figures serve as a stark strategic warning. Gabon remains home to vital French economic interests, including Eramet’s manganese operations, TotalEnergies’ hydrocarbon ventures, and major banking and logistics firms. The erosion of France’s image threatens these positions, particularly as transitional authorities reassess public tenders. Key issues like the CFA franc, demands for cultural artifact restitution, and memories of post-independence interference fuel deep-seated resentment—one that superficial diplomatic gestures cannot resolve.
The data from Afrobarometer suggests that reclaiming public favor will require France to fundamentally overhaul its diplomatic framework rather than rely on cosmetic changes. Yet, Gabon’s ongoing political transition, culminating in a future presidential election and return to constitutional order, could reshape the equation. The next elected government will face a critical choice: maintaining economic continuity, responding to popular demands for rupture, or embracing the competing offers from China, the United States, and Russia.
