Gabonese vice president holds talks with nationals in Madagascar

Following his official representation of the Head of State at Madagascar’s 66th independence anniversary celebrations, Vice President Hermann Immongault dedicated time to meet with the Gabonese community residing in Antananarivo. This direct engagement served as a platform for the official to listen to the daily challenges faced by citizens abroad and to reiterate Libreville‘s commitment to maintaining a permanent dialogue with its diaspora.

During the session, community representatives highlighted several persistent obstacles. A primary concern is the absence of a permanent consular office, which complicates essential administrative procedures for residents. Additionally, the situation of Gabonese students was a major talking point, specifically regarding the management of scholarships, the accreditation of local universities, and the need for more robust academic partnerships. There were also calls to strengthen economic ties to better support entrepreneurs and cross-border investments between the two nations.

A commitment to stronger bilateral ties

Responding to these concerns, Hermann Immongault confirmed that the government would carefully review the grievances presented. He emphasized the importance of improving coordination between Libreville and Antananarivo on matters such as visa policies and the distribution of grants through the National Scholarship Agency of Gabon (ANBG). The Vice President underlined a shared vision between the two nations’ leaders to foster a closer, more effective partnership that addresses the needs of students and workers alike.

Furthermore, the Vice President reached out to the business sector, inviting Malagasy investors to explore the diverse opportunities offered by Gabon, particularly in the energy and agrifood industries. He signaled that institutional and commercial exchanges are set to increase in the coming months. This meeting underscores a policy of proximity, aiming to transform the relationship between Gabon and Madagascar into a strategic engine for mutual development and prosperity for their people and economic actors.