The transitional President of Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power at the end of August 2023 through a coup, argued on Thursday for "the lifting of sanctions" by the African Union "affecting" his country during his meeting in Abidjan with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.
General Oligui Nguema, on a "working and friendship" visit to Ivory Coast from Thursday to Saturday, was received along with his delegation at the Ivorian presidency.
The general reported making "a point and a summary" to President Ouattara on the "progress of the current dialogue in Libreville," he emphasized during a joint press statement.
"I seek the support of my elder here present to advocate for the lifting of the African Union (AU) sanctions weighing on Gabon, and I count on your support," he said, addressing the Ivorian president.
General Oligui Nguema took power on August 30, 2023, in a coup where he ousted President Ali Bongo, whose family had been in power for 55 years. He has promised to return power to civilians through elections, within a timeline he later set to two years.
Gabon was suspended on August 31, 2023, from the AU, which condemned the coup.
The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which had also suspended Gabon after the coup, reinstated it last March, considering "significant progress in the process of returning to constitutional order."
In early April, General Oligui Nguema initiated an Inclusive National Dialogue (IND), again promising that it is supposed to prepare for "free and transparent" elections in 2025.
He wished to thank Mr. Ouattara on Thursday for his "involvement" and "constant willingness to support and accompany the transition process in Gabonese land."
Thursday's meeting also focused, according to General Oligui Nguema, on "strengthening cooperation (...) which involves opening the Gabonese market to Ivorian companies, whose expertise in various fields is proven."
For his part, Alassane Ouattara highlighted the "fruitful discussions" during this meeting as well as the "excellent and fraternal cooperation (between the two countries, ed.) since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966."
Ivory Coast praises "the efforts you are making to return to constitutional normality," Mr. Ouattara said, appreciating the "peaceful climate" in Gabon.
Mr. Ouattara "congratulated" General Oligui Nguema "for convening the inclusive national dialogue, to which we wish full success in the interest of the brotherly Gabonese people."
"Ivory Coast will be by your side to offer our advice," Mr. Ouattara assured, adding that the two countries had also committed to "intensify (their) economic and trade exchanges, particularly in the agricultural, mining, and energy sectors."
During his visit, the transitional president of Gabon also planned to meet with the Gabonese diaspora and visit the National Center for Agricultural Research (CNRA).
Since taking power, he had already met Alassane Ouattara in November 2023 during the Saudi Arabia-Africa summit in Riyadh.
Ivory Coast is surrounded by several neighbors where the military has taken power: Mali in 2020, Guinea in 2021, and Burkina Faso in 2022. Niger, another West African country, has also been led by the military since last year.
