The Defense Attaché Office (DAO) is the liaison between the US Department of Defense (DOD) and the US Ambassador to Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe. The DAO also represents the DOD in its relations with the Ministries of Defense of Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe. For more information, visit the DOD Website.

IMET Activities

International Military Education Training (IMET) is a US-funded, worldwide program that sponsors military education and training for participating countries. The program enables Gabonese and Sao Tomean military officers to attend US military schools in Professional Military Education.

Humanitarian Assistance

In conjunction with the Embassy's Political and Bilateral Assistance Sections, the DAO has sponsored several humanitarian assistance projects in both Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe:

1. The Bongolo Evangelical Hospital in Gabon has received extensive support, including the construction of a new pediatric ward and the donation of eight vehicles, a forklift, and containers of medical supplies. The Embassy also sponsored construction of a medical warehouse in Libreville for the hospital's use.
   
   
2. During 2001, humanitarian assistance funds paid for an addition to a center for victims of child trafficking in Libreville. The Embassy also donated furniture, medical supplies, and toys to this and an other child trafficking center.
   
   
3. In Sao Tome and Principe, the Embassy financed the construction of the Agua Ize elementary school. This new school serves more than 200 students. It replaced the town's aged wooden school with a modern concrete building with bathroom facilities. The humanitarian assistance program has also provided medical and school supplies and equipment to Sao Tome and Principe.

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