« The Camp de Gaulle is no longer a French base. » These words from Fabrice Mauriès, France’s Ambassador to Gabon, during a 14 July address in Libreville, marked a definitive turning point in the evolving military partnership between Libreville and Paris.
In his speech, the Ambassador outlined a co-constructed process of military cooperation, now in its final phase, aimed at modernizing defense relations between France and Gabon. This restructuring reflects a shared commitment to adapt to shifting security priorities in the region, while preserving a strategic alliance rooted in decades of collaboration.
The Ambassador emphasized the enduring strength of the traditional pillar of Franco-Gabonese relations—political, security, and military cooperation—rooted in a profound friendship between allied forces. While the Détachement de liaison interarmées au Gabon (DLI-G) now oversees operational cooperation, regional training institutions continue their educational missions.
Fabrice Mauriès also unveiled a significant shift in France’s military footprint in Gabon. « Within weeks, this partnership will reach a clarified and stabilized balance, with Camp de Gaulle transitioning from a ‘French base’ to a transformed facility under a new designation », he stated. This evolution underscores the mutual goal of aligning defense cooperation with contemporary regional security demands.
Beyond military affairs, the Ambassador highlighted expanded collaboration in domestic security and justice. A national financial prosecutor’s office is in development in Gabon, alongside intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking, irregular migration, border surveillance, and the strengthening of police, gendarmerie, firefighters, and prison administration capacities.
Since Gabon’s 2023 political transition, France and Gabon have redefined their military cooperation. This led to the replacement of the Éléments français au Gabon (EFG) with the DLI-G, refocusing the mission on training, advisory support, and operational cooperation.
The final transformation of Camp de Gaulle signals a new chapter in this realignment, reinforcing the two nations’ determination to maintain a robust, future-oriented strategic partnership.
