Gabon: Safety Information
Risk Level & Key Points
[Risk Level]
● Entire Country
Level 1: Exercise Caution. (Continuing)
[Key Points]
● In August 2023, shortly after the provisional results of the presidential election announced the re-election of former President Ali Bongo, parts of Gabon’s military and security forces invalidated the election results and established a provisional government through a coup.
● Following this, the military placed former President Ali Bongo under house arrest, and Mr. Brice Oligui Nguema took the oath as interim president.
● No riots or looting associated with this coup have been reported, and the security situation in the country has remained relatively stable since the coup. However, a curfew is still in place from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM, although its duration is gradually being reduced.
● The provisional government has announced that a presidential election for the transition to civilian rule will be held in August 2025. During past presidential elections, in addition to the coup mentioned above in 2023, large-scale riots by residents dissatisfied with the election results occurred in 2016, leading to clashes with security forces and multiple deaths. Please stay informed about the security situation as the next presidential election approaches.
Details
1. Overview
(1) After the coup in August 2023, a new prime minister, Raymond Ndong Sima (a civilian), was appointed by the interim president in September of the same year. A cabinet composed mainly of civilians was formed, and a provisional national assembly, including members from civil society and the previous administration, was organized, indicating progress toward democratization.
(2) Concerning the 2023 coup, no riots or looting have been confirmed domestically, and although the borders were temporarily closed, they have since been reopened. However, a curfew from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM is still in effect, although the duration is gradually being shortened. Strict measures are in place, such as being detained at security checkpoints by security forces during curfew hours until the curfew is lifted (except for those using flights that depart or arrive during the early morning hours).
(3) The current domestic situation is relatively stable, especially during the daytime. However, the interim government has announced that a presidential election for the transition to civilian rule will be held in August 2025. During past presidential elections, in addition to the coup in 2023, large-scale riots by residents dissatisfied with the election results occurred in 2016, leading to clashes with security forces and multiple deaths. Please stay informed about the security situation as the next presidential election approaches.
(4) Armed groups continue to perpetrate kidnapping, robbery, and other acts of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. In September 2021, a vessel anchored off the coast of Gabon was attacked, resulting in several injuries and one abduction. In May 2023, a vessel was attacked about 8 kilometers offshore from an anchorage off the coast of Gabon, and three people were abducted. Please exercise caution when traveling by sea.
(5) There have been no confirmed cases of Japanese nationals being affected by terrorism in Gabon. However, terrorism has occurred worldwide, including in Europe, Asia, and other regions frequented by many Japanese travelers, and there have been cases of Japanese nationals being affected. In recent years, there has been a rise in terrorist attacks by lone actors targeting places where large numbers of civilians gather, such as tourist facilities, event venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public transportation, and religious sites. Always remain vigilant in these areas. Be aware that terrorism can occur anywhere, and Japanese nationals could be targeted, so please take appropriate and sufficient safety precautions to avoid being involved in terrorism or kidnapping.
2. Regional Situation
Entire Country
Level 1: Exercise Caution. (Continuing)
(1) Libreville (Capital City)
A. There has been no significant deterioration in security due to the coup in August 2023, but it is still possible that the security situation could change rapidly. If you are considering traveling to Gabon, please gather sufficient information beforehand and follow the instructions and orders issued by the interim government, such as the curfew. Additionally, to avoid unnecessary trouble, always carry identification while staying in the area.
B. Before the coup, there were frequent demonstrations and protests by workers and students protesting unpaid wages and scholarships, which sometimes escalated into arson and vandalism. Protests have also taken place in front of embassies in the capital by Gabonese nationals protesting mistreatment abroad, sometimes leading to clashes with security forces, who have used tear gas and other measures to suppress them.
(2) Other Regions
There has been no significant deterioration in security due to the coup in 2023. However, given the possibility that the security situation could change rapidly, if you are considering traveling to Gabon, please gather sufficient information beforehand and follow the instructions and orders issued by the interim government, such as the curfew. Additionally, to avoid unnecessary trouble, always carry identification while staying in the area. Furthermore, if you plan to travel or stay in rural or remote areas, please collect information about the local situation and take sufficient safety measures, including ensuring communication in case of incidents or accidents.
When traveling to Gabon, please obtain the latest information from the Japanese Embassy in Gabon, local authorities, and media outlets, and pay close attention to your safety.
3. Precautions for Staying in Gabon
(1) While staying in Gabon, please exercise caution in your actions and avoid dangerous situations. If you become involved in an incident or accident, please contact the Japanese Embassy in Gabon.
(2) When traveling abroad, ensure that your family, friends, workplace, etc., are informed of your itinerary and contact details at your destination in case of emergency.
(3) Security forces are stationed at key locations throughout the city, but due to poverty-related issues, crimes involving bladed weapons continue to occur frequently, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Additionally, recent years have seen an increase in reports of kidnappings, murders, and sexual assaults, including those involving infants and minors. Crime is more likely to occur in places where large numbers of people gather, such as long-distance bus terminals, markets, and nightlife districts. There are also frequent thefts targeting homes and vehicles at night, so please be vigilant.
(4) For incidents involving Japanese nationals, there have been frequent cases of robbery, snatching, pickpocketing, home invasion, and car break-ins. Pickpocketing in shared taxis is especially common, often involving collusion between the driver and other passengers. If you must use a taxi, take extra care to manage your valuables.
(5) Strikes and protests related to unpaid wages, demands for improved working conditions, and other issues occur sporadically. Please stay away from protest sites to avoid getting caught up in unforeseen incidents.
(6) Drug-related issues, such as the spread of marijuana and cocaine, are worsening across Gabon. Cannabis is mainly brought in from neighboring countries via land and sea routes, but there have been cases of smuggling by air as well. Be cautious not to unwittingly become involved in smuggling prohibited substances by agreeing to transport luggage for unfamiliar individuals at airports. Additionally, the use of drugs is becoming more prevalent among younger age groups, and it is reported that banned substances are widespread even on high school and university campuses.
4. Neighboring Countries
Please note that safety advisories have also been issued for Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo.
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