FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Gabon
has followed a nonaligned policy, advocating dialogue in international
affairs and recognizing both parts of divided countries. Since
1973, the number of countries establishing diplomatic relations
with Gabon has doubled. In inter-African affairs, Gabon espouses
development by evolution rather than revolution and favors regulated
free enterprise as the system most likely to promote rapid economic
growth. Concerned about stability in Central Africa and the potential
for intervention, Gabon has been directly involved with mediation
efforts in Chad, the Central African Republic, Angola, Congo/Brazzaville,
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi. In December
1999, through the mediation efforts of President Bongo, a peace
accord was signed in Congo/Brazzaville between the government
and most leaders of an armed rebellion. President Bongo has remained
involved in the continuing Congolese peace process, and has also
played a role in mediating the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.
Gabon has been a strong proponent of regional stability, and Gabonese
armed forces played an important role in the Central African Economic
and Monetary Community (CEMAC) mission to the Central African
Republic.
Gabon
is a member of the UN and some of its specialized and related
agencies, as well as of the World Bank; the African Union (AU);
the Central African Customs Union/Central African Economic and
Monetary Community (UDEAC/CEMAC); EU association under Lome Convention;
the Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA); the Organization of
the Islamic Conference (OIC); and the Nonaligned Movement. Gabon
withdrew from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC) in 1995.
U.S.-GABONESE
RELATIONS
Relations between the United States and Gabon are excellent. In
1987, President Bongo made an official visit to Washington, DC.
In September 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell made a brief
but historic visit to Gabon to highlight environmental protection
and conservation in the Central Africa region. This was followed
by a visit to the White House by President Bongo in May 2004.
The United States imports a considerable percentage of Gabonese
crude oil and manganese and exports heavy construction equipment,
aircraft, and machinery to Gabon. The major U.S. assistance program
in Gabon is a Peace Corps contingent of about 65 volunteers who
teach English, promote health programs, and provide environmental
education. Through a modest International Military Education and
Training program, the United States provides military training
to members of the Gabonese armed forces each year. U.S. private
capital has been attracted to Gabon since before its independence.
DEFENSE
Gabon has a small, professional military of about 10,000 personnel, divided into army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and national police. Gabonese forces are oriented to the defense of the country and have not been trained for an offensive role. A well-trained, well-equipped 1,500-member guard provides security for the president.
Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Eunice Reddick
Deputy Chief of Mission--Nathan Holt
Management Officer--Charles Morrill
Public Affairs/Economic/Commercial Officer--John Carrao
Defense Attaché--Rene Dechaine
The U.S. Embassy is located on the Blvd. de la Mer, B.P. 4000, Libreville, Gabon (tel: 241-762-003/004; fax: 241-745-507).
