4 Central Africa

(1) Gabon

Following the presidential election held in August, members of the military and security forces claimed that the election results were fraudulent and invalid, and declared the dissolution of state institutions, installing General Brice Oligi Nguema as the interim president and non-military member Raymond Ndong Sima as appointed prime minister. The interim government has pledged to hold democratic and fair elections and a national referendum to adopt a new constitution and is working to eliminate corruption and strengthen press freedom.

(2) Cameroon

The Government of Cameroon continues to make efforts to resolve the issue in English-speaking regions, where clashes between separatists and security forces persist. Japan exchanged notes for the second phase of the Recovery in South-West region of Cameroon through rehabilitation of health centers and water points (in cooperation with UNDP, with a grant amount of 300 million Japanese yen) in March and for food aid (grant aid of 200 million Japanese yen) through the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in September, contributing to strengthening peace and stability in Cameroon.

In the senate elections held in March, the ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), led by President Paul Biya, won 94 out of 100 seats, maintaining a strong administration.

(3) Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo held a presidential election on December 20th, marking the final year of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo's first term. Japan provided support to ensure that the election was held in an inclusive and safe manner.

In the eastern region, the human rights and humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly as armed groups have become more active, resulting in many internally displaced persons and refugees. Against this backdrop, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has requested the early withdrawal of the UN PKO mission deployed in the country. The international community has pointed out the importance of realistic and concrete measures for the gradual, responsible, and sustainable withdrawal of the UN PKO mission, and stressed the need to strengthen governance in the country, including security sector reforms. Japan is collaborating with international organizations to provide assistance through the reestablishment of a local policing model.

In addition, the country has an abundance of important mineral, forest, and water resources, and Japan is promoting cooperation for the country's socioeconomic development, including the use of resources and assistance in the field of electric power infrastructure.

(4) Republic of Congo

In June, the Republic of Congo participated in a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia, which was led by seven African leaders. The country, which is home to the vast Congo Basin, has also been active in addressing climate change and has been involved in regional and international issues, including hosting the Summit of the Three Basins, Biodiversity Ecosystems, and Tropical Forests in October.

On the other hand, the domestic economy has been sluggish due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and other factors, making economic diversification a priority issue, and Japan has provided food aid to the country through the WFP. In October, Denis Christel Sassou N'Guesso, Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public/Private Partnership, visited Japan and met with Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs FUKAZAWA Yoichi in which both sides welcomed the consent in principle recently reached on the technical cooperation agreement between the two governments. Both sides also mutually affirmed that they would make further efforts to strengthen bilateral relations through exchange of views among public and private stakeholders of both countries.

(5) Sao Tome and Principe

In Sao Tome and Principe, where poverty rates are high, President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova is working to diversify the economy to reduce poverty. Japan has been providing food aid and is the second largest donor after Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe's former colonial power. The counterpart funds for food aid are used for the country's economic and social development.

(6) Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea remains under the long-running administration of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who was re-elected in the presidential election in November 2022. In February, cases of Marburg virus disease were confirmed in the continental Equatorial Guinea, but in June, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to Marburg virus disease in the country.

(7) Chad

In Chad, a national referendum on a new constitution was held in December, and there has been progress toward the transition to civilian rule. Following clashes that erupted in Sudan in April, the country has accepted more than 400,000 Sudanese refugees. In May, Japan decided to provide assistance to refugees and returnees in countries neighboring Sudan, including Chad, and provided humanitarian assistance to Chad. Japan values and encourages the role that Chad plays in peace and stability in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions and supports it by providing food aid and other assistance.

(8) Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is moving forward with its domestic peace process, including dismantling five domestic armed groups in April. However, the country continues to face humanitarian challenges with a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons. In September, Japan exchanged notes regarding food aid (250 million Japanese yen) through the WFP and continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the country.

A referendum on the new draft constitution was held in July, and in August the Constitutional Court in the Central African Republic declared its adoption by a majority vote.