After 64 years of diplomatic relations between Gabon and the United States of America, in a joint declaration, the governments of the two countries expressed their intention to enhance their partnership. This should especially benefit Gabon in three areas: the promotion of sustainable economic development, the strengthening of democracy and the country’s security capacities.
After 64 years of diplomatic relations, Gabon and the United States of America have expressed their intention to enhance their partnership. © Freepik
Once again, the current exceptional political situation does not change much. The United States of America is indeed willing to continue its cooperation with Gabon. Better, on the occasion of the commemoration of the 64th anniversary of the establishment of their relations, the governments of the two countries published, Thursday, October 3, a joint declaration in which they affirm their intention to “rehausser» their partnership. A commitment to“increased cooperation” that Washington intends to materialize through the support of“an inclusive and democratic transition” in Libreville.
To do this, the American government plans to support the efforts undertaken for more than a year by the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) using the mechanisms of the African Democratic and Political Transitions (ADAPT) initiative. , particularly in the context of the upcoming constitutional referendum, as well as the organization of free, regular and transparent elections in the country, at the end of the current transition period. Also, in collaboration with the Consortium for Strengthening Elections and Political Processes (CEPPS) and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), the United States government plans to provide technical assistance at the Ministry of the Interior, the administration responsible for organizing the next consultations. “This technical assistance will also include support for journalists and civil society for monitoring the conduct of elections throughout the transition period,” the statement said.
Sustainable development and security
After 64 years of relations, Washington and Libreville also intend to “deepen and strengthen their economic partnership with a view to supporting the development of the Gabonese economy, expanding commercial cooperation and increasing investment.” This will include involving more of the American private sector. A United States-Gabon Investment Guide was recently developed for this purpose by the United States Chamber of Commerce.
“The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), funded through USAID’s Central Africa Regional Environmental Program (CARPE), will provide an additional $2 million to the current program $20 million in technical support to the National Agency for National Parks of Gabon (ANPN). This new funding will focus on programs to effectively manage human interaction with forest elephants and potentially develop a national park twinning arrangement. Additionally, the United States Forest Service (USFS), funded through CARPE and in collaboration with Congress, intends to provide Gabon with a DART mass spectrometer to combat illegal timber exports.announce the two governments which also ensure that they are working to conclude a new defense cooperation agreement.
Meanwhile, the United States announces technical assistance to strengthen port security in Gabon, the creation of two new radar installations to improve Gabon’s maritime surveillance capabilities in its territorial waters, and the provision of patrol vessels maritime.
