On July 21, 2023, in Libreville, Gabon, the Republican Guard received four AML-90 armored reconnaissance vehicles from France. President Ali Bongo Ondimba symbolically handed over the keys to the vehicles during a ceremony held in the capital, in the presence of high-ranking officials from all branches of the Gabonese military.
The Republican Guard, responsible for the protection of the president and presidential properties, now has a reinforced fleet with the acquisition of these armored vehicles. This delivery comes at a critical time, just one month before the country’s presidential elections.
According to some Gabonese media reports, the order for the four armored vehicles was placed in 2020. Delays in delivery were caused by payment issues faced by the Gabonese government. Additionally, concerns were raised by an inter-ministerial commission in France, overseeing the export of military weapons, fearing that the vehicles could be used to suppress potential protests during the upcoming general elections. However, negotiations between the Gabonese Defense Minister, Félicité Ongouori Ngoubili, and French authorities led to a revision of the decision.
As a reconnaissance vehicle, the AML-90 is designed to operate with a crew of three people, including a commander, a driver, and a gunner. With its lightweight and compact dimensions, the AML-90 is well-suited for various military missions, especially in reconnaissance and surveillance roles.