In an unusual diplomatic development, Angolan President Joao Lourenço stands out as the sole head of state in the sub-region who has not yet met with General Oligui Nguema.
The official explanation attributes this omission to an incompatible agenda on the Angolan side, delaying the anticipated meeting.
The frosty relations between the two nations can be traced back to various events. Initial reports suggest that the Angolan ambassador to Gabon adopted a cautious stance towards the new regime following a coup d’état.
Additionally, the absence of Gabonese officials during the ceremonies commemorating Angola’s independence in Libreville last November reportedly displeased Luanda.
Compounding the diplomatic tension, discord erupted at the ECCAS headquarters in Gabon between employees and the new management led by Angolan Secretary-General Gilberto da Piedade Verissimo.
Sources indicate that Verissimo, upon assuming the role three years ago, sought a reassessment of agents’ contracts and increased the representation of Angolans within the organization, leading to discontent among the staff.
This discontent manifested in various forms, including expressions of anger on WhatsApp networks and groups. Management perceived these actions as a destabilization attempt, with allegations that Verissimo lobbied for relocating the ECCAS headquarters to Malabo.
During the summit in Equatorial Guinea on Friday, the Gabonese press reported a brief appearance by President Lourenço, suggesting a mere vote in favor of maintaining sanctions.
The ECCAS, in response, upheld the suspension of Gabon, further contributing to the strained relations in the sub-region.
