Soldiers in Gabon declared a coup, stating they had taken control of the government and confined the president following his election victory, which extended his family’s rule in the nation for over half a century.
In a video message from what seemed to be his house arrest location, President Ali Bongo Ondimba urged his supporters to rally around him. However, many in the capital rejoiced over the attempted overthrow of a regime perceived to be exploiting the country’s vast resources while the majority of its people suffered.
Yollande Okomo, amidst the jubilant crowd, expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you, army. We’ve waited long for this.”
Bongo, at 64, took over in 2009 following his father’s passing, who led for 41 years. His tenure saw significant public dissent, with a failed coup attempt in 2019.
Although Gabon is part of OPEC and rich in oil, wealth is highly skewed, and a significant portion of its youth faces unemployment. French investigations link the Bongo family to multiple allegations of financial malpractice.
The coup spokesperson criticized Bongo’s governance, indicating it could plunge the nation into turmoil. A subsequent release claimed several arrests, citing grave treason and significant financial crimes.
Experts caution that the coup might trigger instability and the motives may be elite power struggles rather than the public’s welfare.
This takeover follows a recent coup in Niger and reflects a growing trend in West and Central Africa. Such episodes might be spurred by the previous lack of consequences faced by coup instigators, suggests Maja Bovcon, a risk analyst.
In the recent election, Bongo’s main competitor was Albert Ondo Ossa, an economist and prior education minister. Despite international criticisms, relative peace persisted until Bongo’s victory was announced, soon disrupted by gunfire in Libreville, the capital.
Citizens responded with varying emotions. While Libreville leans towards the opposition, rural regions are generally Bongo-supportive.
After the coup, President Bongo reached out via video, seeking support while confirming his house arrest.
As for reactions, the opposition leader Ossa held off on immediate remarks. Thomas Borrel of Survie, a human rights organization, warns against replacing one dictatorial regime with another.
Although coup leaders vow to honour international commitments, economic repercussions loom. Key infrastructure, including the airport and main port, experienced shutdowns. Numerous foreign companies paused operations, prioritizing employee safety.
France, maintaining strong ties with Gabon, denounced the coup, with spokesperson Olivier Veran expressing concern. The US clarified its limited military presence, confined to the embassy.
EU diplomat, Josep Borrell, mentioned upcoming discussions on Gabon, emphasizing regional stability. African leaders, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, discussed the continent’s increasing autocratic shifts, and the African Union Commission openly rebuked the takeover.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, urged a peaceful resolution.
The unfolding situation in Gabon underscores a larger pattern of political unrest and shifts in West and Central Africa. With international eyes keenly observing, the hope is that a peaceful resolution is on the horizon, one that prioritizes the welfare and aspirations of the Gabonese people. As power dynamics continue to play out, the global community waits with bated breath, anticipating the next chapter in Gabon’s political narrative.