Centuries-old Gabonese animist tradition

In Gabon on Sunday, a procession of dugout canoes took to the sea off the Pointe Denis peninsula to perform Mpago, a centuries-old animist rite that honors the sea spirits in a tradition meant to protect the coastline.

Wearing traditional white clothes, the Mpongwè faithful moved through the waters of the mangrove, the estuary, and the ocean for hours. They sang songs and poured liqueurs, tobacco, and mixtures of fragrant herbs as offerings.

Gérard-Aimé Adande is the grandson of the late Gabonese traditional leader, Prince Félix Adande Rapontchombo, who led the Mpongwè clans in the estuary region.

"Mpago, we’re not the only ones who practice this rhythm here in Gabon. But around the estuary, we are the only ones. So the Assiga clan,” he said. 

“It’s about building a relationship with the sea spirits, our ancestors the Agombés, and the deity."

Every five years, hundreds of people from this Myènè ethnic sub-group gather on the peninsula to honour the mystical beings they believe live in the waters of the estuary.

Several days of ceremonies lead up to Mpago or the day of offering. The night before, Mpongwè women, adorned with greenery, sing and dance to maintain the balance of their environment.

"We believe that it is the anger of the spirits that causes rising waters and erosion. Through these ceremonies, we fight to keep our ancestral lands," said Adande.

With coastal erosion, mainly driven by climate change and rising sea levels, posing a significant threat to those living along Gabon’s coastline, the rite has taken on new importance.

The tradition also raises awareness among visitors about the need to protect the environment.


Reference
By Rédaction Africanews 
Centuries-old Gabonese animist tradition to protect the coastline
Available at https://www.africanews.com/2026/04/16/centuries-old-gabonese-animist-tradition-to-protect-the-coastline/
(Assessed: 12th May 2026)