Chapter 2
Japan's Foreign Policy by Region
4 Central Africa
(1) Gabon
There are no civil wars or conflicts in Gabon, and the country is politically stable. President Ali Bongo Ondimba is working to diversify the economy, including through strengthening the field of timber processing, with the aim of transitioning from an oil-dependent economy.
In May, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Odawara held a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Moussa Adamo in New York, while the Japan-Gabon Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held between Foreign Minister Hayashi and Foreign Minister Adamo at TICAD 8 in August. Furthermore, in September when Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda visited Japan to attend the state funeral for the late Prime Minister ABE Shinzo, the Japan-Gabon Summit Meeting was held with Prime Minister Kishida. Japan is engaged in cooperation primarily in the fields of health and environmental conservation.
(2) Cameroon
Under the leadership of President Biya, who has established a long-term administration, Cameroon is grappling with the problems in the English-speaking regions, where clashes between independent separatists and security forces continue, and with Islamist extremist groups operating in the Extreme North Region. Japan exchanged notes with Cameroon concerning a grant aid project titled the “Project for Improving Infrastructure for the Stabilization of the Lake Chad Basin Area” (cooperation with UNDP)” in February and another one concerning food aid through the WFP in July. Minister of External Relations Lejeune Mbella Mbella attended TICAD 8 in August and held a foreign ministers' meeting with Foreign Minister Hayashi.
(3) Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has entered its fourth year under the administration of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, is working on fiscal reforms and eradicating corruption in cooperation with IMF. Serving as the chair of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in 2022, the Democratic Republic of the Congo prioritized its commitment to the region, by also joining the East African Community (EAC).
The activities of armed groups are intensifying in the eastern region, which is one of the world's leading producers of natural resources, and the process of mediation involving the region and the international community is underway with the support of the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping operations (PKO).
In August, Prime Minister Kishida and Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge held a Summit online Meeting in which the two leaders confirmed that Japan would support efforts to stabilize the eastern region through institutional building and human resource development support for the consolidation of peace, and that Japan would promote cooperation in the area of climate change countermeasures and mineral resources. Based on this, in November, the two countries exchanged notes concerning grant aid for the “Economic and Social Development Programme (equipment related to climate change countermeasures)” and notes concerning the “Project for Strengthening Community Policing Activities (cooperation with IOM)” to support the efforts of the country.
(4) Republic of Congo
President Denis Sassou N'Guesso, who is serving his third term, has promoted domestic policies focused on reforming the administrative system, improving economic and financial governance, and developing social welfare infrastructure, with the foreign policy of “diversification of partners.” The country has recently increased its presence as a stabilizing force in Central Africa.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad Jean-Claude Gakosso attended TICAD 8 and held the Japan-Republic of Congo Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Foreign Minister Hayashi. Japan supports the country's development by strengthening economic infrastructure and providing food aid through the WFP.
(5) Sao Tome and Principe
The National Assembly elections held in September in Sao Tome and Principe resulted in a victory for the opposition, and in November, the fourth Trovoada cabinet was formed, the first change of government in four years.
Recently, Japan has provided food aid to the country almost every year, and in August 2022, the two countries exchanged notes concerning grant aid for food aid. Counterpart funds for food aid are used for the country's economic and social development, including support for the implementation of the above-mentioned elections. While there are few visits by dignitaries and business exchanges, Japan's food aid and assistance in the fisheries sector are widely recognized and appreciated, fostering a favorable pro-Japan sentiment.
(6) Equatorial Guinea
Under the long administration of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Equatorial Guinea has been promoting economic development based on its abundant oil resources. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was re-elected in the presidential election held on November 20.
In 2022, Japan coordinated with the UN Development Program (UNDP) to help restore a waste treatment facility damaged by the massive explosion that occurred in Bata in March 2021.
(7) Chad
In October, president of the Transitional Military Council Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, was inaugurated as Transitional President and decided to extend the transition period to civilian rule by up to two years. Japan exchanged notes concerning food aid through the WFP in July in order to improve the country's food security and contribute to the resolution of development issues.
(8) Central Africa
Central Africa continues to work toward democratization. In March 2022, President Faustin Archange Touadera held a dialogue involving government officials and civil society. In November, the country decided to extend the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in order to maintain public order. In addition, as many people are in need of humanitarian aid as a result of the protracted conflict, Japan exchanged notes concerning food aid through WFP in July.
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