Eye Contact Etiquette in Gabon

Moderate, brief eye contact is the norm in Gabon: looking someone in the eye shows attentiveness and sincerity, but a prolonged stare can feel confrontational or disrespectful, especially with elders or in formal settings. In everyday conversation people often soften eye contact with a slight smile or glance away at times, while in rural or more traditional contexts a more restrained gaze is common as a sign of politeness.