Anti-French sentiment in Gabon has surged to unprecedented levels, with 78% of citizens now viewing Paris’ influence as negative—a stark contrast to just 20% who hold favorable opinions. According to the latest findings from Afrobarometer, an independent pan-African research network, France now ranks as the least popular foreign actor in Libreville, a country once regarded as a cornerstone of Francophone stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

This shift is even more striking when compared to other global players. China leads the pack with a 61% positive rating, followed by the African Union (60%), the United States (47%), and Russia (43%). Essentially, Beijing is now seen as three times more legitimate than France in the eyes of Gabonese citizens. This dramatic reversal underscores a broader transformation in the country’s diplomatic perceptions, where France’s long-standing economic and military presence once seemed unassailable.

Regional discontent fuels Gabon’s anti-French wave

The Gabonese backlash is not an isolated incident. Since French troops withdrew from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, anti-French sentiment has spread across West and Central Africa. Chad has pushed for a review of its defense agreements, Senegal secured the closure of French military bases, and Côte d’Ivoire followed suit. Gabon, under the military leadership of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema since August 2023, has similarly embraced this trend of reassessing inherited partnerships.

Symbolically, the gradual withdrawal of French military bases and the downsizing of the French Forces in Gabon (EFG) to a cooperation mission have mirrored this shift. Libreville’s official stance, which emphasizes sovereignty and diversifying partnerships, aligns with public frustration over an asymmetrical relationship that many perceive as oppressive.

China’s strategic rise in Gabon’s diplomatic landscape

China’s growing influence in Gabon extends beyond financial investments or infrastructure projects. Its appeal lies in a non-confrontational communication strategy that avoids political interference while delivering tangible outcomes—roads, hospitals, and telecommunication networks. The trade of Gabonese manganese, a critical resource for Beijing, further solidifies this transactional relationship, which many citizens find more straightforward than the complexities of Franco-Gabonese ties.

Russia, with a 43% favorable rating, has also gained ground by leveraging an anti-Western narrative amplified across social media. Despite lacking China’s or France’s economic footprint, Moscow’s sovereignist rhetoric resonates with a tech-savvy urban youth. Meanwhile, the African Union’s 60% approval rating highlights the persistent legitimacy of continental multilateralism, even as Gabon remains suspended following the 2023 coup.

France’s strategic warning in Gabon

For French diplomacy, these numbers serve as a critical wake-up call. Gabon remains a key economic hub for France, with major French firms like Eramet (manganese), TotalEnergies (hydrocarbons), and banking subsidiaries deeply entrenched. The erosion of France’s image could jeopardize these interests, particularly as the transitional government re-evaluates public tenders.

Underlying issues such as the CFA franc debate, demands for cultural property restitution, and lingering grievances over post-independence interventions have fueled structural resentment. Simply improving public relations won’t suffice; a fundamental overhaul of France’s diplomatic approach is necessary to regain favor.

However, Gabon’s political transition, which aims to restore constitutional order through upcoming elections, could reshape the landscape. The next government will face a delicate balancing act—balancing economic continuity, public pressure for change, and the competing offers from China, the U.S., and Russia.