NorthStandard: Military coup in Gabon is impacting operations in country’s ports

Global marine insurer NorthStandard on Tuesday (9 May) released an update on ports in Gabon following a military coup in the country: 

The military in Gabon seized power on the morning of 30 August 2023 and placed President Ali Bongo under house arrest. This followed election results announcing the re-election of Ali Bongo despite complaints of fraud.

Club correspondents have provided an update on status as follows.

Gabon P&I reports:

• Port of Owendo is open with military controls at the gate.
• Services at port are open but working slowly because of uncertainty around persons in charge.
• Borders are reopened and on 3 September, one of the first ships which was locked as result of the coup has been authorised to sail out.
• Curfew from 1800-0600 hrs

Budd Gabon reports:

• the streets are now heavily patrolled by military personnel.
• a complete halt in all commercial operations, including those at the ports of Libreville and Port Gentil.
• many citizens are refraining from venturing outside due to the prevailing risks.
• the army officers have explicitly communicated the temporary closure of all of Gabon’s borders.

TCI Africa further reports:

• local representatives in Libreville advise of an apparent calm atmosphere in the country.
• internet connection is now re-established.
• roads are closed.

On 30 August, Reuters reported at least 30 commercial ships dropped anchor around Gabon’s waters after military officers said they had seized power in the Central African country.

Shipping group Hapag Lloyd reportedly had one of its vessels in Libreville at the time and the ship was unable to sail due to the border closures.

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 6 September, 2023