LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Gabon has announced the termination of its fishing agreement with the European Union (EU), which has been in place since 1998.
The agreement, set to expire on June 29, 2026, will bring an end to nearly three decades of cooperation in the fisheries sector.
The Gabonese government, led by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has cited an unbalanced economic arrangement as the primary reason for the termination.
The country has argued that the current agreement has not provided sufficient economic benefits, particularly regarding the exploitation of marine resources such as tuna, which is primarily exported without local processing.
The decision to end the partnership has been met with concerns over the potential impact on local economies and the livelihoods of those dependent on the fishing industry. Gabon’s move to assert greater control over its natural resources and ensure more equitable benefits reflects a broader strategy to manage its resources sustainably. Despite the EU’s role in promoting sustainable fishing practices in the region, the termination of the agreement could strain relations between Gabon and the EU.
The EU’s contribution of 2. 6 million euros annually has been deemed insufficient by Gabon, considering the volume of fish captured and the costs incurred for monitoring its Exclusive Economic Zone. Gabon’s decision to terminate the fishing agreement is a significant step towards economic sovereignty and the equitable management of its marine resources.
The government is open to considering new partnership proposals that offer more balanced and mutually beneficial arrangements.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
