During an exclusive interview, Gabon’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Pierre Ntsiet Ngolo, outlined his strategic diplomatic vision following his accreditation in March 2024 and the formal presentation of his credentials to Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed on November 6, 2025. With unwavering commitment, the seasoned diplomat pledged to deepen bilateral ties between Libreville and Tunis while safeguarding the welfare of Gabonese citizens residing in Tunisia.
One of the ambassador’s first initiatives was fostering unity within the Gabonese diaspora in Tunisia. Inspired by successful models from other Gabonese communities worldwide, two new representative bodies were established: the Conseil des Gabonais de Tunisie (C.G.T.), which unites the approximately 1,000 Gabonese nationals—students, professionals, and families—around shared values of solidarity and humanitarian support, and the Association des Étudiants et Stagiaires Gabonais en Tunisie (A.E.S.G.T.), dedicated to students and interns.
The ambassador highlighted the growing cohesion within the community, notably during the first Gabon Cultural Days held on April 24–25, which showcased the community’s ability to unite around shared values.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation
Academic cooperation stands out as a cornerstone of Gabon-Tunisia relations, with Tunisian universities hosting a significant number of Gabonese students and interns. However, many face administrative hurdles, particularly in renewing residency permits due to delays in tuition payments. Ambassador Ntsiet Ngolo urged Gabonese families and the National Scholarship Agency to expedite financial support to ease these challenges.
The ambassador also emphasized healthcare cooperation, pointing to a bilateral agreement between Gabon’s National Health Insurance Fund (CNAMGS) and Tunisian medical institutions. Leveraging Tunisia’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, this partnership facilitates medical evacuations for Gabonese citizens.
Economic diplomacy at the forefront
Pierre Ntsiet Ngolo underscored the need to consolidate existing partnerships while exploring new economic opportunities. He called for stronger dialogue with institutional partners and a sharper focus on trade diplomacy to unlock mutually beneficial ventures. «Our goal is to align our efforts with our countries’ development ambitions, fostering initiatives that harness the unique strengths of both Gabon and Tunisia,» he stated.
He also praised recent economic missions by Tunisian business leaders, which he believes will lead to investment agreements and long-term collaborations.
Prioritizing consular support
The ambassador proudly noted the swift implementation of consular assistance programs for Gabonese residents in Tunisia, addressing long-standing concerns about neglect. «The positive response from the community reflects a renewed sense of belonging and trust in our diplomatic mission,» he concluded.
