Libreville marks 86 years since the 1940 Gué-Gué battle
Soldiers, sailors and civilians killed in the 1940 fighting were honoured at a ceremony before the Wall of Remembrance in Libreville.
On Monday, November 9, 2026, the Compagnons mémoriels gathered at the Gué-Gué bridge in Libreville to remember the men who died in the 1940 battle, 86 years earlier. In November 1940, forces loyal to the Vichy regime clashed in Gabon with those who had joined Free France, so soldiers fought soldiers under different flags.
The ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance brought together civil and military officials, religious leaders, memorial companions and children. A wreath was laid at the foot of the monument, a call to the dead was sounded, and the Gabonese and French anthems were played. The event also marked the 56th anniversary of General de Gaulle's death, and Didier Lespinas gave the opening address.
The Wall of Remembrance is meant to honour more than commanders. It also names African riflemen, health workers, sailors, aviators and civilians caught in the fighting. The organisers say the dead live on only while the living keep remembering them.
Why it mattersFamilies and descendants of those killed, along with the memorial companions who maintain the Wall, are the people the commemoration is directly meant to serve.