Government Offices Closed, Delays and Increased Security Due to Violent Protests
Gabon
Government offices, including immigration offices, remain closed following violent protests in Libreville after election officials declared the incumbent president the winner of the recent presidential election. It is not known when government offices will reopen.
In Saturday’s presidential election, President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s main oppositional candidate, Jean Ping, initially claimed victory. After Bongo was declared the winner on Wednesday, protestors set the parliament building on fire and violent protests ensued.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals in Gabon should observe security measures (which are likely to be increased), carry their immigration documentation and avoid unnecessary travel. Businesses and foreign nationals should expect significant delays in immigration application processing.
Employers should consider rearranging travel schedules or start dates.
Fragomen will provide updates as they become available.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to africainfo@fragomen.com.