Armiger Gabonese Republic Compartment Okoumé tree | Adopted 15 July 1963 | |
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Crest Okoumé tree with a ribbon bearing Uniti Progrediemur
"We Shall Go Forward United" Escutcheon Or, a Sailing vessel Sable, flying the flag of Gabon being tierced per fess of green, yellow and blue, on a base wavy Azure; and a chief Vert, three Bezants Or. Motto Union, Travail, Justice
"Unity, Work, Justice" | ||
The coat of arms of Gabon was designed by the Swiss heraldist and vexillologist Louis Mühlemann, one of the founding members of the FIAV and also designer of the former coat of arms of Congo. It has been in use since 15 July 1963.
Description
The supporters of the symbol are panthers which symbolize the vigilance and courage of the president who protects the nation. The bezants (golden discs) in chief of the shield symbolize the mineral wealth of the country. The ship at the lower part represents Gabon moving towards a brighter future. According to Briggs, "green represents the great dense forests; yellow, the sun; blue, the sea; and black, the people of Africa". The okoumé tree at the top of the shield symbolizes the timber trade.
The coat of arms is unusual in having two ribbons with mottos in two different languages. The ribbon below the shield has a motto in French 'UNION, TRAVAIL, JUSTICE' ('Unity, Work, Justice'). The second ribbon is placed beneath the branches of the okoumé tree and has a motto in Latin 'UNITI PROGREDIEMUR' ('We shall go forward united').