DRC, Gabon agree on reciprocal visa exemption to boost mobility

Presidents Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon have signed three cooperation instruments, aiming to deepen ties between their nations. A key outcome of the agreements, overseen during Tshisekedi's visit to Libreville on August 15, is the reciprocal exemption of visas for citizens of both countries.

This visa waiver is expected to significantly ease travel between the DRC and Gabon, fostering greater exchange in economic and commercial sectors. Both leaders expressed a commitment to promoting investment and strengthening collaboration between their private sectors, with a particular focus on local resource transformation and developing new value chains.

Beyond facilitating mobility, the agreements establish regular political and diplomatic consultations. Tshisekedi and Nguema also pledged to enhance coordination on matters of peace, stability, and development across Central Africa. Gabon affirmed its "total support" for Juliana Amato Lumumba's candidacy for the Secretary-General position at the International Organisation of La Francophonie.

During his visit, Tshisekedi also engaged with the Congolese diaspora in Libreville, discussing peace processes and an upcoming national dialogue in the DRC. He reiterated his dedication to achieving lasting peace while respecting the DRC's sovereignty. He also explored Gabon's successful model of local wood processing in the Nkok Special Economic Zone, seeing potential inspiration for the DRC's forestry sector.