Gabon's national animal, the black panther.

Capital: Libreville

Aug'23: Military takeover is ninth in sub-Saharan Africa since 2020.

Gabon is one of OPEC’s smaller members, pumping about 200,000 barrels a day. The country has abundant oil and manganese deposits, but they haven’t translated into better living standards. About one third of its 2.2 million people live below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.

While the oil producer hasn’t had to deal with the jihadist attacks or spreading insecurity that’s dogged much of West Africa, the ruling family’s grip on power has come under pressure in recent years.

Aug'23: Gabon, which rejoined OPEC in 2016 after a 21-year hiatus, pumps about 200,000 barrels of crude a day. Global oil markets are unlikely to be substantively affected if its production is interrupted because it is a relatively small producer. More important is its role in the production of manganese, used to produce some of the hardest forms of steel. Niger is Africa’s second-biggest uranium producer, and exports most of its output to France, according to the World Nuclear Association. It produced 2,020 tons of the metal last year. Most countries that have suffered military coups in the region in recent years haven’t seen major disruption to mining operations despite the changes in power.

Assala Energy, which is wholly owned by Carlyle Group, said its oil production in Gabon had been unaffected.

Ambrey added that despite disruption in Gabonese ports, offshore terminals remained operational.

Danish shipping group NORDEN, which operates port logistics in the country for a project with manganese mining company Comilog, said that its main priority was to ensure the safety of employees and its operations in Gabon. Comilog is a subsidiary of French metallurgical group Eramet.