LIBREVILLE, March 26 (AGCNewsNet) – France’s military presence in Africa is dwindling, with its base in Gabon now transforming into a "shared camp" focused on training local forces.

At Camp de Gaulle in Libreville, a Gabonese squadron saluted a French colonel, reflecting the shift from direct military operations to training partnerships. The sign at the entrance now reads "Academie Militaire" instead of "6th Marine Infantry Battalion," marking a new era in Franco-Gabonese defense relations.

Ten years ago, around 1,200 French troops were stationed in Gabon, but only 200 remain today, primarily serving as instructors. Gabon’s junta leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, confirmed that French tanks and armored vehicles would no longer be stationed in Libreville. Instead, the base will serve as a “sub-regional hub for training.”

The shift is part of a broader trend across Africa. In recent years, France has been forced to withdraw or transfer its military bases in Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Ivory Coast due to pressure from governments seeking to distance themselves from their former colonial ruler.

France previously supported Gabon’s Bongo dynasty, which ruled for 55 years until a coup in 2023. Now, the French presence has been reduced, with Gabonese military institutions integrated into the base. These include the Libreville Defence Forces Administration School (EAFDL) and an academy focused on protecting the environment and combating illegal activities like poaching and gold mining.

At the base, French Sergeant Honoarii conducts a mortar-firing refresher for Gabonese paratroopers, while a veteran officer named Tony leads urban combat training sessions.

“The Gabonese conduct a lot of battles in jungles, but with the current global situation, urban combat can happen at any time in the country,” Tony noted.

Colonel Bertrand Jacqmin, the French commander at the base, emphasized that training programs are designed to address African security and migration challenges. Gabonese Colonel Eric Ivala, head of EAFDL, described the partnership with France as an advantage for the country.

France has rapidly lost its military influence in Africa. Its troops were expelled from Chad in November, and Senegal is negotiating their departure by the end of the year. If this trend continues, Camp de Gaulle in Libreville and France’s base in Djibouti will be its only remaining military installations on the continent.

France’s military presence in Gabon is secured under a defense partnership agreement renewed in 2023 after Oligui seized power. However, this agreement will need further approval after Gabon’s presidential election in April.

“We want to stay as long as possible because… cooperation benefits both partners,” said French Lieutenant-Colonel Kamel, who oversees military training at the base.

Despite this, Oligui signaled that Gabon is keeping its options open. “The Russians, perhaps tomorrow if they want to come, will also be welcome,” he stated.

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