Libreville: Angolan President Joo Louren§o acknowledged on Monday in Libreville the free and transparent manner in which the presidential elections were held in Gabon and promised his country’s support for the economic and social development of that country.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Louren§o expressed hope that Gabon’s authorities would focus on economic and social development, offering Angola’s support as a brother country within the framework of bilateral relations and the African Union. This statement followed a meeting with Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema.
Joo Louren§o highlighted that the April 12 elections were commendably conducted on schedule. International observers noted that the elections were free and democratic, allowing the people of Gabon to express their will at the ballot box.
Louren§o, on a 24-hour official visit to Gabon, described the electoral process, which resulted in Oligui Nguema’s victory with 94% of the vote, as a model for other African nations. He has advised the African Union Commission to lift any sanctions against Gabon.
Reactivation of Bilateral Commission
The Angolan Head of State emphasized that the reactivation of the Angola/Gabon Bilateral Commission was a key focus of his meeting with President Nguema, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Louren§o expressed Angola’s interest in closer collaboration with Gabon across various sectors and extended an invitation to President Nguema to visit Angola, stressing the desire to deepen political, economic, and friendly relations.
Pardon
President Louren§o also expressed gratitude to his Gabonese counterpart for pardoning eight Angolan fishermen detained in Gabon since 2023 for alleged violations of territorial waters, illegal fishing, and insecurity on oil platforms. Louren§o assured that Angola would facilitate the return of the fishermen, who hail from Cabinda province, to their families.
Bilateral Cooperation
The partnership between Angola and Gabon is grounded in the General Cooperation Agreement, bolstered by the creation of the Bilateral Joint Commission in January 1982. These frameworks aim to promote collaboration in sectors such as Agriculture, Oil and Mining, Maritime Transport, Industry, Trade, Education, Culture, Health, and Youth and Sports.
In December 2022, additional agreements were signed to abolish visas in diplomatic and service passports and establish regular political consultations during President Louren§o’s visit to Libreville. Both countries are active members of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which promotes economic integration and political stability in the region. Additionally, Angola and Gabon participate in the Gulf of Guinea Commission, aiming to enhance cooperation and maritime security among coastal countries in Central and West Africa.