The President of the Lebanese community in Gabon, Hassan Mazhar, confirmed to "Warda" that "the entire community is fine following the military coup that occurred early today." He explained that "Lebanese have been present in Gabon for nearly a hundred years, estimating the community's number to be between 5,000 and 6,000 businessmen, merchants, and industrialists spread across various regions, especially in the capital, Libreville."
He continued: "We consider Gabon our second country, and several Lebanese hold Gabonese nationality, participating in elections transparently without any specific political inclination. In this hospitable country, we do not engage in politics."
He reassured: "We and our team are in full coordination and follow-up with the Lebanese ambassador, Alain Younes, who is doing her utmost to meet the needs of the Lebanese here and to ensure their well-being." He noted that "communications have returned to the country after a three-day isolation, which is a positive development that provides more reassurance among Lebanese here in Gabon and their families in Lebanon."
He confirmed that as of now, there are no riots in Gabon, nor "any disruptions."
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has urged all Lebanese residing in Gabon to take utmost precautions and stay at home while awaiting further developments. It reported that it is closely monitoring the situation in Gabon in coordination with the Lebanese Embassy there. In emergency cases, it has advised contacting the following number for the Lebanese embassy in Libreville to provide possible assistance under the current circumstances: +241 66 40 13 52.
