Franco-Gabonese relations

Franco-Gabonese relations refer to the interstate relations as well as the historical ties between the Republic of France and the Republic of Gabon. Relations have been characterized by "an extreme case...of neo-colonialism" by France. [Gabon: A Neo-Colonial Enclave of Enduring French Interest by Michael Reed in The Journal of Modern African Studies, 25.2, 1987 pages 283-320]

Pre-independence relations

main|History of GabonFrance first came into contact with people from Gabon when France signed protection treaties with local chiefs in 1839 and 1841. France officially claimed Gabon as a territory in 1885 as part of the scramble for Africa. Administration by France began in 1903 and in 1910, Gabon became part of the newly formed federation of French Equatorial Africa. Gabon lasted as part of the colonial federation until 1959. During World War Two, Gabon was held by Vichy French forces from June to November 1940, but otherwise was controlled by Free French forces. In August 1960, Gabon attained independence from France along with the other territories of the former French Equatorial Africa.

ince independence

Since independence, Gabon has been "one of France's closest allies in Africa" [ [http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSL0493323920080304 Gabon threatens France with tit-for-tat deportation] by Antoine Lawson, Reuters, 4 March, 2008] . As of 2008, around 10,000 French nationals lived and worked in Gabon, while the 6th Marine Infantry Battalion of the French military is also stationed there.

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