Cameroon–Gabon relations

Cameroon–Gabon relations are the bilateral relations between Cameroon and Gabon. The two countries share a state border measuring 349 km in length. Both countries are members of the African Union and Non-Aligned Movement.

History

The cordiality of Cameroon–Gabon relations between 1961 and 1967 laid the foundation for joint leadership within the Economic Community of Central African States and may be regarded as a unifying factor. However, the harmony that had prevailed between the two countries deteriorated following the death of Gabonese president Léon Mba. Although cooperation reached a high point with the establishment of a joint Cameroon–Gabon Commission through a joint communiqué signed in Ngaoundéré on 23 March 1968, the period from 1968 to the present has been marked by competition for leadership between the two countries.

In May 2016, representatives of both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of defence. In September 2016, approximately 130 Gabonese citizens crossed the border into Cameroon while fleeing violence that erupted following the disputed announcement of presidential election results in Gabon. In January 2019, Gabon closed its border with Cameroon after an attempted military coup against President Ali Bongo Ondimba. In May 2019, the foreign ministers of both countries agreed to further develop cooperation in the area of security.

See also

• Foreign relations of Cameroon
• Foreign relations of Gabon

References

Gabon Category:Bilateral relations of Gabon