Gabon
After government reshuffle, Ali Bongo renews PDG with balance between old and new

Gabon
Businessman Noureddin Bongo sets up new London investment firm

As Gabon's political classes gear up for this summer's elections, the ex-coordinator of presidential affairs Noureddin Bongo is quietly tending to his business affairs in London, where he has set up the firm Loup LTD to invest in the tech sector.

The New Guard
Gabon, Morocco, South Africa, DR Congo

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

Gabon Marc Tchango, Ali Bongo's spokesman in Port Gentil

Morocco Mehdi Alj, following in his father's footsteps to head the Sanam empire

South Africa Joy Maimela, head honcho at the ANC's new youth league

DR Congo Eric Tshikuma, journalist, entrepreneur, and now MP

Gabon
Defence ministry faces arbitration over unpaid MINUSCA bill

A seven-year unpaid bill could see the Gabonese state dragged before a court in London. Sovereign Global Solutions has sought conciliation, one step away from arbitration.

Gabon
'Libreville' by name, news site has strong ties to a more distant capital

It's among the most influential online sources of news in Gabon with an editorial line that aligns closely to the presidential palace. But it was set up by company connected to a low-key PR man in France.

Gabon
Paris suspends sale of armoured vehicles to Republican Guard ahead of elections

Fearing repression during the 2023 presidential election, the French authorities have suspended the export of armoured vehicles to Libreville.

Gabon
Why Ali Bongo dissolved the Ministry of Public Works

The closure of the Ministry of Public Works by Ali Bongo and its placing under the prime minister's responsibility shows the desire of the Head of State to make it a priority issue for the 2023 election, yet also hides a renewal of tension between his son, Noureddin Bongo, and the First Lady, Sylvia Bongo.

Gabon
Libreville finally stumps up for Sofema armoured vehicles

On hold for the last two years pending payment by Libreville, the delivery of a consignment of AML90 reconnaissance vehicles from the French defence company should go ahead before the end of this year.

Gabon, Niger
Franck Ping discreetly lobbies Bazoum on behalf of Gauff Engineering

The business agent Franck Ping, the son of Gabon's former foreign minister Jean Ping, is the main architect of the electrification deal signed by the German company Gauff Engineering and the government of Niger.

Spotlight | Africa
Tensions grow between Beijing and Washington over military bases in Gulf of Guinea

China is stepping up its plans for naval bases in the east and west of the continent, much to the displeasure of the Biden administration, which is determined not to let the Chinese navy increase its presence in Africa.

Gabon
Gabonese presidency discreetly employing British adviser Dominic Sudnik

While waiting for the third and final report from the Commonwealth's inspection mission, Gabon is continuing to develop its British tropism.

Gabon
Frédéric Bongo is referred to a disciplinary board

Breaking news published on 14/03/2022 at 11h45 : For a long time Ali Bongo's eyes and ears, the Republican Guard's former head of intelligence Frédéric Bongo is being sidelined, as tensions between the president's family and Omar-Denis Bongo Jr, the son of former President Omar Bongo rise.