Ali Bongo. Photo: Google
‘The president’s overthrow ended his family’s 53-year hold on power in Gabon’
By Valentine Amanze
Democracy has suffered another setback in Africa following Wednesday morning military takeover of government in another former French colony, Gabon.
Other African countries that jettisoned democracy for military rule recently include Mali, Chad, Burkina-Fasso, Guinea and Niger Republic – all former French colonies.
The coupists struck after the incumbent President Ali Bongo was declared winner of the election held at the weekend, which result was being disputed by the opposition party over perceived irregularities.
The soldiers, who announced the bloodless coup, said that they were from the Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions and represent security and defence forces in the country.
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While the soldiers are yet to announce the name of their leader, they equally annulled
the results of Saturday’s election in which President Ali Bongo was declared the winner.
They also closed the country’s borders “until further notice”.
Besides, the president’s overthrow ended his family’s 53-year hold on power in Gabon.
Gabon is one of Africa’s major uranium and oil producers, while nearly 90 percent of the country is covered by forests.
BBC reported that Gabon joined the Commonwealth in June 2022, becoming one of its few members not to have been a British colony. valoa2000@yahoo.com
valoa2000@yahoo.com
