Shell is leaving parts of Africa behind as part of a divestment streak that followed its merger with BG Group. File photo by Mohammad Kheirkhah/UPI. March 24 (UPI) — As part of an effort to streamline its portfolio after acquiring BG Group, Royal Dutch Shell said Friday it was leaving parts of Africa behind after 55 years. Shell announced it would sell its entire onshore interests in Gabon to Assala Energy Holdings, part of The Carlyle Group, for $587 million. Andy Brown, a director for Shell exploration and production programs, said the company has a legacy extending back to the early 1960s. “The decision to divest was not taken lightly, but it is consistent with Shell’s strategy to concentrate our upstream [exploration and production] footprint where we can be most competitive,” he said in a statement . “This transaction shows the clear momentum behind Shell’s $30 billion divestment program, […]