Dominique Renaud, the French ambassador to Gabon, wishes Gabon and Veolia could get over the verbal escalation. In this vein, he met Gabon’s Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet, on March 7, 2018.

According to French authorities, only a “constructive and peaceful” dialogue can foster “fruitful partnerships” with business communities and let them support Gabon in the implementation of its economic recovery plan. “Paris is trying to appease the atmosphere and maintains that due to the age-old ties between us, both parties (ed: Gabon and Veolia) should reach an agreement for the best interests of both sides”, sources close to the Prime ministry said.

 Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet, while expressing regret about “the few mistakes” recorded, said that the French partner had obligations vis-à-vis Gabon’s government especially the consumers who have the right to require quality service. Unfortunately, Veolia didn’t provide that quality.

According to the ambassador, despite “certain problems, the special relationship between France and Gabon is in good shape”.

Stéphane Billé