Gabon Military Seizes Power Following Disputed Election: A Series of Coups in West and Central Africa
Gabon Military Seizes Power Following Disputed Election: Gabon, a Central African oil-producing country, has experienced a coup orchestrated by military officers. After being declared the winner of a contested election, President Ali Bongo was placed under house arrest. This marks the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020, reflecting a trend of democratic setbacks in the region. Other countries like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Chad have also witnessed military takeovers, raising concerns for regional stability and foreign interests.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
| SHORT QUESTION |
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| Who is the coup leader in Gabon? Army officers who seized power in a coup in Gabon on Wednesday have named Gen Brice Oligui Nguema as the country’s transitional leader. Gen Nguema was earlier carried triumphally through the streets of the capital Libreville by his troops. |
Coup Details:
Military officers announced the seizure of power, canceling election results and dissolving state institutions. The officers declared President Bongo’s victory invalid and placed him under house arrest. General Brice Oligui Nguema was appointed as the new leader through a unanimous vote by generals.
President’s Appeal and Public Reaction:
- From detention, President Bongo appealed to foreign allies for assistance, expressing concern about the situation.
- The military intervention was celebrated by hundreds of people in the capital, Libreville.
- The coup was criticised by international organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and France (Gabon’s former colonial master).
Regional Context:
The coup in Gabon is part of a series of military takeovers in the region since 2020. Democratic gains achieved since the 1990s are being undermined, causing concern among foreign powers with strategic interests in the area. Previous instances include coup attempts in Niger, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Chad.
Bongo Family’s Rule and Challenges:
President Ali Bongo succeeded his father Omar in 2009, carrying on a family tradition that began in 1967. Critics claim that the Bongo family hasn’t adequately shared the country’s oil and mining wealth with its population of 2.3 million.
Election Controversy:
Violent unrest followed President Bongo’s contested election victory in 2016, and a coup attempt was foiled in 2019. Due to the absence of international observers, the suspension of foreign broadcasts, and internet restrictions, the recent election (August 26) raised transparency issues.
Economic and Geopolitical Implications:
Gabon is an oil-producing nation, generating about 200,000 barrels per day, with international companies like TotalEnergies and Perenco involved. The coup introduces uncertainty for France’s regional presence, with concerns about the stability of foreign investments and military deployments.