Gabon Country Report

Gabon is a small developing country located on the western coast of Central Africa, bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo. Despite its vast oil reserves, income inequality is high in the country and the majority of the population remains poor. A military coup removed President Ali Bongo from office on Aug. 30, days after he was declared the winner of the Aug. 26 general elections. The coup leaders also announced the dissolution of state institutions.

Foreign investment opportunities, particularly in the hydrocarbon sector, are numerous, but high levels of corruption and an economy hampered by poor fiscal management present significant challenges for the country's business environment. The primary threats to foreign travelers come from criminal activity, a number of serious health hazards and a risk of civil unrest. Infrastructure is generally adequate in Libreville and Port-Gentil but is limited across much of the rest of the country and overland travel can be difficult.

Violent and petty crime present the most significant security threats for travelers in Gabon, with robberies, assaults and residential burglaries occurring with some frequency in Libreville and Port-Gentil. There has also been an increase in carjackings in the capital in recent years with thieves often being quick to resort to violence if challenged.

Protests are relatively common in the country's main urban centers and those held by opposition supporters have often been met by an aggressive response from security forces, particularly during elections and other times of elevated political tensions.

There is a limited conflict risk in Gabon due to the absence of non-state armed groups in the country and Libreville’s cordial relations with its neighbors. Likewise, the threat of terrorism remains low, with no terrorist groups known to be operating in the country.

Libreville International Airport (LBV) generally meets international standards and several international airlines operate flights to the city but domestic air travel in Gabon is unreliable and subject to frequent delays and cancelations.

The country's roads are generally in poor condition. Some major highways are paved but the majority of roads are unsurfaced and can often become impassable during the rainy season.

The ports in Gabon are not considered efficient, particularly port Owendo and is negatively effecting the economy.

Gabon's electrification rate is among the highest in Africa and all urban areas are connected to the national grid. Internet services are available in major urban centers but may be more limited in rural areas.

The country is considered both an unlikely sponsor of and unlikely target for cyber attacks; its defenses against such an attack are understood to be weak.

Gabon is prone to flooding during the rainy seasons from September to mid-December and mid-February to May and many roads become impassable at times during these periods. Flooding and landslides are a significant concern during the rainy season, these are more common in rural areas but significant flooding has also hit major urban centers, with Libreville seeing major flooding in 2012 and 2016. Limited compliance and awareness of health and safety standards, as well as waste management, has resulted in air, water and ground pollution, particularly in urban centers. Gabon is not located in a seismically active region but remote areas in the east of the country have recorded several moderate intensity earthquakes.

The main health risks in Gabon stem from vector-borne diseases, primarily malaria, dengue and chikungunya fever. Basic medical facilities are available in Gabon’s three main cities but medical services are extremely limited in rural areas. The availability of pharmaceuticals is somewhat limited in the country and medication should only be purchased from major hospitals, clinics and reputable doctors due to counterfeiting. Sanitation in Gabon is well below Western standards and food and water should be treated with caution.

While historically stable, Gabon has seen significantly increased political tensions and unrest since President Ali Bongo succeeded his late father in 2009. Ali Bongo's narrow election victory in 2016 led to an increase in opposition demonstrations and a further deterioration in the stability of the country's political environment. Legislative elections, originally scheduled to be held in December 2016, were repeatedly delayed amid controversial constitutional changes and increased challenges to Ali Bongo's presidency but eventually took place in October 2018. On Aug. 30, 2023, members of the security forces placed Bongo on house arrest after he was announced the winner of the Aug. 26 presidential elections. The coup leader announced the dissolution of state institutions and the annulment of the election results.

Corruption is a systemic problem in Gabon, and despite government efforts to curb such practices, significant progress has yet to be made. Rule of law is also generally lax, particularly concerning the oil and gas sector, and the judiciary has been prone to political interference.