US/Ambassador/Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe
 US/Ambassador/Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe  (Ambassador to Gabon, Ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe)   | |
|---|---|
 Joseph Wilson ambassador 1992-1995, had significant CIA connections. | |
| The US ambassador to the African countries of Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe. |
The US Ambassador to Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe is the highest diplomatic representative of the United States to the African nations of Gabon and Saõ Tomé and Príncipe. Joseph Wilson ambassador 1992-1995, had significant CIA connections.
Overview
Because of it hot and humid Central African location, this ambassador position is left to career diplomats instead of political appointees. The ambassador based at the embassy in Libreville, Gabon is accredited to São Tomé on a non-residential basis. The ambassador and embassy staff make regular visits to the islands.
Gabon
The country of Gabon is a petroleum producing country, which is always of interest to the United States. Saõ Tomé and Príncipe is a nascent petroleum country.
Gabon under President Omar Bongo used to be a part of Françafrique, the French post-colonial sphere of influence in Africa.
São Tomé and Príncipe
In 1992, U.S. federal government broadcaster Voice of America and the Government of São Tomé signed a long-term agreement for the establishment of a broadcast station in São Tomé. From there Voice of America broadcasts to most of Africa.[1]
In August 2002, the BBC reported that São Tomé had agreed to host a U.S. naval base to protect its oil interests. The islands are in a strategic position where the U.S. could monitor the movement of oil tankers and guard Gulf of Guinea oil platforms.[2]
References
- ↑ Alan L. Heil. Voice of America: a history. Columbia University Press, 2003, p. 123ff. ISBN 0-231-12674-3.
- ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2210571.stm
