In the heart of the oil-rich Central African state of Gabon, political upheavals continue to make headlines. Recent events have catapulted the nation to the forefront of global attention, focusing on governance, resource management, and international relations.
Gabon Military Asserts Control
The Gabonese military announced their takeover just moments after the country’s election authority declared President Ali Bongo the victor of his third term. Asserting their control, the officers, representing the nation’s armed forces, took to television to announce the suspension of the election results, the sealing of borders, and the dissolution of all state institutions. This follows an election marred by controversy, lacking the oversight of international observers, and serves as an attempt to end the Bongo family’s long-standing rule, spanning over five decades.
The People’s Response and International Outlook
While many Gabonese, like Jules Lebigui, took to the streets of Libreville in jubilation, celebrating the perceived end of the Bongo era, international reactions have been mixed. France, Gabon’s former colonial power with military presence in the nation, swiftly condemned the coup. The nation’s previous colonial ties and vested interests, with approximately 350 troops stationed in Gabon, highlights the geopolitical importance of the region.
The Bongo Dynasty and Opposition Claims
The Bongo family’s reign, which began with Omar Bongo in 1967 and continued with his son Ali Bongo in 2009, has been under scrutiny. Critics argue that the family has monopolized Gabon’s lucrative oil and mining sectors, failing to distribute the wealth among the 2.3 million citizens. President Bongo’s previous electoral victory in 2016 sparked violent protests, and the recent coup attempt only underscores the nation’s volatile political landscape.
Regional Implications and Future Outlook
This would be West and Central Africa’s eighth military coup since 2020 if successful. Countries like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Chad have experienced similar shifts, reflecting a decline in democratic progress since the 1990s. The self-proclaimed Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions in Gabon emphasized the nation’s ongoing crises on multiple fronts.
The identity of the coup’s leader remains shrouded in mystery. Still, speculations hint at Brice Oligui Nguema, head of Gabon’s Republican Guard, being a key figure.
Furthermore, global powers, including China and Russia, have voiced their concerns, calling for stability and peaceful resolutions.
Gabon’s Economic Significance
Gabon’s economic weight in the region, producing about 200,000 barrels of oil daily, attracts significant international attention. Major global companies, including France’s TotalEnergies and Anglo-French producer Perenco, operate within its borders. Moreover, the suspension of operations by the French miner Eramet underscores the coup’s immediate economic implications.
Election Integrity Concerns
Despite the restoration of internet access after the coup announcement, concerns about election integrity linger. The absence of international observers, curbing foreign broadcasts, and other restrictive measures during the election process cast doubts on its transparency. Nevertheless, the election authority declared Bongo the winner with a significant margin.
Maritime Repercussions and Financial Impact
The coup has affected Gabon’s maritime operations, with at least 30 tankers anchoring near its major ports, highlighting the regional implications of this power shift.
