Stories from Libreville · Gabon

Researchers from the University of Poitiers discovered traces of complex multicellular life in ancient rocks within Gabon. The findings suggest that complex life on Earth originated one billion years earlier than previously estimated. The discovery was made within very old quarries in the country. This finding shifts the understood timeline of biological evolution on the planet. The findings suggest these life forms appeared concurrently with the formation of the Himalayas on Earth. The discovery marks a moment where life began building rocks and landscapes. Scientists chose Jezero, an ancient impact crater, due to traces of a delta, indicating a past river flowed into a lake. The crater is a depression approximately 45 kilometers wide and hundreds of meters deep.

The first edition of the Libreville International Forum has been inaugurated in Gabon. Former Senegalese Economy Minister Amadou Hott participated as a panelist during the event.

Gabon's government has terminated its contract with Interchipping Service LLC, a company based in the United Arab Emirates responsible for ship registration. This action comes amid international pressure. The PPRD party questions the timing of this decision, especially as it comes after former Congolese President Joseph Kabila opposed an agreement signed by Kinshasa with the White House. The PPRD also deems unfounded US accusations that its leader supports the FCM23 rebellion. The contract, signed six years ago, had reportedly generated approximately 1 billion CFA francs for the Gabonese state. Interchipping Service LCC claims to have registered 400 ships under the Gabonese flag, said standards of transparency, compliance, and efficiency. The country faces accusations of operating a 'flag of convenience' for a phantom fleet evading international sanctions against Russian oil.

A Chinese-provided emergency power supply vehicle has been deployed to secure electricity at the CHUL hospital in Gabon.

Gabon has formed a new unit consisting of 546 agents to protect the country's natural heritage. The unit's focus is on safeguarding forests estimated at 23.7 million hectares. This natural resource has an estimated economic value of 43 trillion CFA francs. Gabon is establishing a paramilitary corps specifically tasked with protecting the nation's natural heritage. The unit will consist of 546 agency personnel forming the first wave. The unit represents the first wave of a specialized force for environmental protection. Gabon has deployed 546 personnel to the field as of April 25 to form a new paramilitary corps. The total planned strength for this paramilitary body is 900 people. This initiative aims to safeguard Central African forest resources in the country. Environmental activists have described the move as a small step toward protecting the nation's natural assets.

Aisha Claudine Sumbu, president of the Reconciliation Association, testified in Geneva regarding detention center conditions in Gabon. Sumbu reported an increase in arbitrary arrests and stated that Gabon has failed to apply ratified treaties.

Some detainees in Libreville have been waiting for their trials for 10 to 12 years. United Nations experts reported that some detainees at the Libreville central prison have been awaiting trial for 10 to 12 years. Experts report widespread impunity and the existence of unofficial detention sites, including the military security facility known as B2. Gabonese authorities stated they intend to improve the situation, specifically through legislative framework changes. Authorities in Gabon expressed a willingness to improve the situation by addressing the legislative framework. Charges against them include armed robbery, insurrectionary movement, rebellion, and possession of war weapons. Prisoners have been held for 16 months and now face a potential 10-year prison sentence on espionage charges.

The United Nations Committee Against Torture is reviewing the situation in Gabon during its 84th session ending this Friday. Aisha Claudine Sumbou, president of the Reconciliation Association, testified in Geneva regarding detention conditions in Gabon. Reports include beatings, extrajudicial detention, and extortion of confessions. Civil society groups and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) noted that access to justice remains difficult in Gabon. She stated there is an urgent need to repair the harms committed and apply ratified treaties. The testimony addressed the ongoing issue of arbitrary detentions within the country. Zonusi experts reported that the central prison in Libreville is experiencing overcrowding rates between 400% and 700%. Some detainees have been waiting for their trials for 10 to 12 years.

Périnco Deputy Director General Néstor Aure announced a $2 billion investment for the G&L project in Gabon. The project aims to transform Gabon into a natural gas exporter by utilizing gas reserves that were previously flared. A portion of the future plant is currently being assembled in the Middle East. The company plans to compete for potential buyers to benefit both Périnco and the Gabonese state.

Gabon is preparing its infrastructure to become an exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) within two years. Périnco is constructing a 500 km pipeline network in southern Gabon to collect gas produced at various locations. Christophe Blanc, Director General of Périnco, stated that the project involves investment and that part of the future plant is currently being assembled in the Middle East. Perenco is undertaking major expansion works to transform the Cap Lopez area into a gas hub. The project will include gas processing, liquefaction, and storage facilities. Néstor Aoure, deputy general manager of Perenco, stated the company has allocated a heavy budget for the project. Rita Yahawi, the project director, confirmed the site will host the processing and storage components.