By Ajong Mbapndah L
Oil and gas company Perenco has issued a firm rebuttal to recent media reports suggesting that the Gabon government has initiated legal proceedings against the company, describing such claims as “false and defamatory.”
In a brief but strongly worded statement, Perenco clarified that no legal action has been taken by the Gabonese state against the company, directly contradicting circulating reports that hinted at a dispute escalating into the courts.
“Contrary to recent media reports, Perenco confirms that the State of Gabon has not launched any legal proceedings against Perenco, and any suggestion to the contrary is false and defamatory. Perenco reserves its rights,” the company said.
The statement signals a clear intent by Perenco to protect its reputation amid what it considers misleading narratives, while leaving open the possibility of legal recourse should the claims persist.
Perenco has long maintained a significant presence in Gabon’s oil sector, where it operates several onshore and offshore assets and plays a key role in national production. Any suggestion of legal friction between the company and the state is therefore likely to attract attention across industry and policy circles.
While the origins of the disputed reports remain unclear, the company’s swift response underscores the sensitivity surrounding investor-state relations in resource-rich economies, where speculation can quickly impact market perception and stakeholder confidence.
As of now, there has been no official communication from Gabonese authorities indicating any legal action against Perenco.
