France halts delivery of four armored military vehicle to Gabon

A French inter-ministerial Committee overseeing export of military equipment, CIEEMG, has vetoed the delivery of four AML90 armored vehicles to Gabon over fear that the equipment might be used to crackdown on protests during next year’s coming presidential elections, Africa Intelligence reports.
The move, France-based media notes, came following pressure by Direction Afrique et océan Indien (DAO) du Quai d’Orsay; a department of the French Foreign Ministry overseeing Africa and Indian Ocean regions.
DAO fears that the equipment will be used for repressive purposes in the event of possible outbursts that could occur on the margins of the 2023 presidential election.
The central African country is heading to election next year with incumbent leader Ali Bongo Odimba still allowed to run for another term in office.
He won 2016 elections marred by irregularities and arrests of protesters who believed his rival and former ally Jean Ping won.
It is unclear whether the veto will still be imposed. Gabon’s Defense Minister Ongouori Ngoubili is expected in Paris for an official visit mid this month.