The U.S. is working on an economic and security assistance package for Gabon to counter China's growing influence and prevent it from establishing a military presence in the strategically located Central African countries, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
As part of the deal, the U.S. plans to provide training for Gabon's special forces and $5 million in funding to support the country's democratic transition, Bloomberg reported.
The U.S. has attempted to curb China's dominant role in Africa for years but has struggled to compete with Beijing's huge financial investments - including a recent $50 billion pledge. Despite these efforts, the U.S. is often perceived as not prioritizing Africa as a strategic partner.
At the ninth triennial Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping committed to deepening China's military ties with Africa, pledging 1 billion yuan ($141 million) in military aid. This includes training 6,000 African military personnel and an additional 1,000 law enforcement officers.
The US move comes after what American officials say were Chinese attempts to establish a military training facility in the Atlantic coast nation, which US officials believe could serve as a precursor to a permanent base. The U.S., which operates a vast network of military bases globally-including near China-considers a Chinese base on the Atlantic a critical red line.
The still-in-development package will be revealed during Gabonese interim President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's visit to the US, expected in late September or early October, according to sources.
The package will include radar systems to assist Gabon in monitoring illegal fishing, further collaboration with the West Virginia National Guard, and support for conservation efforts in the country's national parks.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson emphasized that US foreign policy is not directed at any single country, noting that US cooperation with Gabon spans various areas, including democracy, security, and economic development.
When contacted, Gabonese government representatives and a foreign ministry official declined to comment. Similarly, China's foreign and defence ministries did not respond to requests for comment. However, China has previously stated that its military activities in Africa are intended to support peace efforts on the continent.
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