China's Diplomatic Spree in Post-Coup Gabon

Will China use Gabon's isolated position to supplant French influence?

It has been over a month since General Brice Oligui Nguema initiated a coup d'état in Gabon following President Ali Bongo’s controversial re-election in August. The coup, which was widely condemned by the international community, has left Gabon somewhat isolated.

In addition to criticism from individual countries, Gabon’s membership of the Commonwealth, African Union, and Economic Community of Central African States was also partially or fully suspended. In late September, the US also announced that they were pausing certain forms of foreign assistance to Gabon.

Instead of following a similar path, China has chosen to fully engage with Gabon’s new regime. In line with China’s policy of non-interference in internal affairs, China simply called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, a return to regular order, and for the personal safety of President Bongo. No demand was made for the restoration of Bongo’s government.

Cornelia Tremann, writing for the Interpreter, explained that China tends to prioritise diplomatic stability and suggested that Chinese officials would seek to have a positive relationship with whomever ended up governing Gabon. Tremann also argued that the coup presented an opportunity for China to further promote its interests in light of France’s waning influence.

Evidence suggests that China is already working proactively in Gabon. In recent weeks, Ambassador Li Jinjin has held multiple meetings with members of the transitional government, including (listed by date of meeting):

• Minister of the Economy, Mays Mouissi (20/09/23)

• Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Jonathan Ignoumba (20/09/23)

• President of the Senate, Paulette Missambo (22/09/23)

• Speaker of the National Assembly, Jean-François Ndongou (28/09/23)

• Minister of Water and Forestry, Colonel Maurice Ntossui (28/09/23)

• Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima (02/10/23)

• President, Brice Oligui Nguema (03/10/23)

• Minister for Foreign Affairs, Régis Onanga Ndiaye (05/10/23)

The topic of discussion at these meetings centred primarily on bilateral cooperation with respect to each minister’s portfolio, Chinese business interests and investment, as well as China and Gabon’s comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, which was established earlier in 2023.

China’s proactivity appears to have already paid off. During Ambassador Li Jinjin’s speech at a reception hosted in Libreville celebrating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, he confirmed that “the transitional authorities are committed to respecting all bilateral and multilateral agreements and expressed their desire to continue to develop state-to-state relations with friendly countries''.

In other words, China’s relationship with Gabon is stable and prospects are good. A quick look at the guest list of the 74th anniversary reception also showed that at least 10 senior members of Gabon’s transitional government were in attendance.

Whilst not publicly confirmed, there is another possible reason why China has been so proactive recently. According to Paul Deutschmann at Africa Intelligence, an agreement for the establishment of a Chinese naval base in Gabon had been put “effectively on ice” following the coup. The deal, which had not been made public, was reportedly negotiated earlier this year between China and ex-President Bongo’s government. If this agreement did indeed take place, has Li Jinjin managed to salvage it?

In summary, China has spent the past few weeks establishing positive relationships with Gabon’s new transitional government. Whilst diplomatic contact has occurred between Gabon and some European powers, such as France and Switzerland, none of them have thus far publicly embraced the new Gabonese regime in the same way as China.

That being said, it was France that sent its ambassador to meet with General Nguema immediately following the coup. According to reports, the General did express a desire for closer relations with France during the meeting.

For now, however, closer ties with France will be difficult for Nguema’s government to achieve. This is because the French government have publicly condemned the coup and called for the election results to be respected. It will take time before the French will be able to change their stance without appearing to tacitly accept Gabon’s coup d'état. Nevertheless, China may still find that France is not willing to cede its influence in Gabon without a fight. But for now, it is China that is on the front foot.