Inner circle | Gabon
The powerful networks of Khalil Rihan, President Nguema's favoured businessman

Gabon
Republican Guard scandals embarrass Oligui Nguema

Accused of kidnapping a businessman, the commander of the presidential bodyguard unit has been relieved of his duties. The activities of members of the Republican Guard, which the head of state once served in, are creating growing tensions within the security apparatus.

Gabon
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema plays the Abu Dhabi investment card

Under pressure from the IMF, the Gabonese government is hoping to nurture closer ties with the United Arab Emirates. A delegation headed by a prominent Emirati businessman is currently in Libreville and various diplomatic initiatives are underway.

Gabon
Ex-Energy Minister Jeannot Kalima takes the fall for Karpowership case

Former energy minister Jeannot Kalima, who was behind the deal signed last year with the Turkish operator Karpowership to supply Libreville with electricity, had been in the firing line of several presidential advisers.

Palace Intrigues
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Bernard Arnault, Félix Tshisekedi, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Laurent Gbagbo

Intrigues big and small - every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

Gabon Bernard Arnault abandons bid to buy Paris mansion

DRCTshisekedi renews relations with Moïse Katumbi

Algeria Dominique de Villepin's secret tête-à-tête with Abdelmadjid Tebboune

Ivory Coast Ex-president Laurent Gbagbo visits Paris and Brussels

Gabon
General Oligui Nguema snaps up two military helicopters

Libreville's transitional government has got its hands on two AW139 multi-purpose aircraft, which it says will be used to keep an eye on the rainforest.

Gabon
Sale of Pozzo di Borgo mansion in Paris held for ransom by Gabon's creditors

The Gabonese state has seen the sale of its mansion, long the home of late German designer Karl Lagerfeld, grind to a standstill in Paris.

Gabon, Morocco
Royal miner Managem bets on Gabon gold after troubled 2023

Moroccan miner Managem, a subsidiary of the Al Mada royal holding company, is hoping that Gabon’s subsoil will help it rebound from a troubled 2023 financial year that saw it suffer a 22% fall in sales and its activities still suspended in Somalia.