 It also had petroleum, iron, and logging interests stationed in Gabon.Léon M'ba was one of the most loyal allies to France in Africa, even after the country's independence.In fact, France maintained 600 paratroopers and an air force unit, which included Mirage V and Jaguar jet fighters, at the Camp de Gaulle military base until at least 1987, a warning to any Gabonese coup plotters.