France first established relations with Gabon in the early 19th century, signing protection treaties with local chiefs in 1839 and 1841.

Gabon served as a military hub for French operations in Africa, solidifying its role as a critical ally.

When Omar Bongo passed away in 2009, French leaders Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac were among the few Western heads of state to attend his funeral.

While Ali Bongo maintained strong ties with France, his rule faced controversy, including allegations of voter fraud during the 2016 election.

[citation needed] Despite these challenges, Gabon continued to play a pivotal role in France’s African policy.