Libreville, Gabon: Eighteen years after signing a major fisheries partnership with the European Union, Gabon has announced its unilateral withdrawal from the agreement, citing unequal benefits, minimal local economic impact, and increasing concern over the exploitation of its marine resources.
Reports indicate that the agreement, first established in 2007, allowed European fishing vessels to operate in Gabonese waters in exchange for financial contributions intended to support Gabon’s fisheries sector.
However, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has criticized the deal as “lopsided,” arguing that while European fleets have reaped substantial profits, Gabon has gained little in return.
Libreville raised particular concerns over the lack of investment, limited job creation, and the practice of exporting fish directly to Europe without local landing or processing, a missed opportunity for domestic value addition and employment.
“We can no longer tolerate a system where our resources are extracted without tangible benefits to our people,” the government stated, emphasizing the need to prioritize local processing and economic participation in the fisheries sector.
The European Commission responded with surprise but acknowledged Gabon’s sovereign right to withdraw from the agreement. Brussels has indicated a willingness to re-engage in dialogue, should Gabon wish to renegotiate terms.
This move marks a significant pivot in Gabon’s natural resource policy, signaling a broader commitment to economic self-reliance and national control over strategic sectors.
