Libreville: Gabonese authorities have decided not to renew the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFA) with the European Union, which expired on Sunday. They argue that the agreement does not align with Gabon's economic and strategic interests.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the decision to terminate the agreement originated from an announcement made in June 2025 by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The president initiated a process to unilaterally denounce the fishing agreements with the European Union in pursuit of a new cooperative framework.

Gabonese authorities argue that the revenue generated from the agreement fails to reflect the actual value of the catches made in Gabonese waters. Furthermore, they point out that the costs associated with the control, monitoring, and management of fisheries resources are not adequately compensated.

The government also criticizes the agreement for its limited contribution to the creation of added value within Gabon, citing the lack of local processing of fishery products as a significant issue. Libreville has expressed dissatisfaction with the insufficient investments from European partners in local development, job creation, and the strengthening of national capacities.

Another issue highlighted by Gabonese authorities is the potential risk of overexploitation of fishery resources, which they believe is insufficiently regulated by existing transparency and scientific monitoring mechanisms.

In response, the European Union has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with Gabon to address these concerns. Brussels has indicated its readiness to negotiate a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, which is expected to be more balanced and mutually beneficial.

The Fisheries Protection Agreement (FPA), initially signed in 2007 and renewed multiple times, allowed European vessels to exploit fisheries resources in Gabonese waters. The most recent protocol, concluded in 2021 for a five-year term, had an estimated total value of approximately 17 billion CFA francs, or nearly 26 million euros, according to Gabonese authorities.