The Camp De Gaulle is no longer a French military base. This declaration, made by the French Ambassador to Gabon, Fabrice Mauriès, during the July 14 national celebrations in Libreville, underscores a pivotal moment in the evolving defense ties between the two nations.
The diplomat emphasized that the transformation of the site is part of a co-constructed adaptation process in its final stages, aimed at modernizing the military cooperation framework between Libreville and Paris. This shift reflects a shared vision to realign defense relations in line with contemporary regional security demands.
According to Mauriès, the political, security, and military cooperation between Gabon and France remains a cornerstone of their relationship, built on a foundation of deep camaraderie forged in years of shared missions. He noted that the Détachement de liaison interarmées au Gabon (DLI-G) now spearheads operational cooperation, while regional training institutions continue their vital educational roles.
The Ambassador outlined a significant upcoming change in France’s military footprint in Gabon. He stated, “Within weeks, this partnership will reach a clarified and stabilized balance, with the Camp De Gaulle already transitioning from a ‘French base’ to a newly named entity completing its transformation.”
Beyond military matters, Mauriès highlighted broader security collaborations, including the establishment of a national financial crimes unit in collaboration with Gabon’s Justice Minister. He also spotlighted joint priorities such as combating drug trafficking, irregular migration, border surveillance, and strengthening law enforcement, fire services, and penal institutions.
Since the political transition in August 2023, Gabon and France have been recalibrating their military cooperation. This led to the rebranding of the Éléments français au Gabon (EFG) as the DLI-G, now focused on training, advisory roles, and operational collaboration.
The definitive transformation of Camp De Gaulle marks another milestone in this restructuring, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to maintain a strategic partnership tailored to the evolving security landscape of Central Africa.
