According to various news outlets and sources, the Coup in Gabon happened on 30 August 2023, after the military rejected the re-election of President Ali Bongo who had been in power since 2009 and whose family had ruled the country since 1967.
The coup leaders said they wanted to restore democracy and end corruption President Bongo was placed under house arrest and appealed for support from his loyalists. The situation is still uncertain and tense in Gabon. Here are few facts we need to know about Gabon and the coup.
History of Gabon
Gabon was first explored by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and named after the Como River1. Gabon was populated by pygmy people and later by Bantu migrants who settled the area between 1000 BC and 1 AD. Gabon became a centre of the transatlantic slave trade with European slave traders arriving in the area in the late 15th century.
Colonised by France in the 19th century and became part of French Equatorial Africa. Gabon gained its independence from France on August 17, 1960 and became a republic within the French Community.
Gabon has been ruled by the Bongo family since 1967, when Omar Bongo became president after a coup. He was succeeded by his son Ali Bongo in 2009. Gabon is one of the largest oil producers in Africa and has a relatively high standard of living compared to other African countries.
Who is Omar Bongo
Omar Bongo was the second and longest-serving president of Gabon, who ruled the country for almost 42 years, from 1967 until his death in 2009. He was born as Albert-Bernard Bongo in 1935 and served in the French Air Force before entering politics. Some of his achievements during his presidency include:
- Establishing a single-party system and a cult of personality that ensured his political dominance and stability.
- Developing close relations with France and other Western powers, as well as with African leaders such as Muammar Gaddafi and Nelson Mandela.
- Exploiting Gabon’s oil wealth and diversifying the economy, which made Gabon one of the richest countries in Africa per capita.
- Promoting regional peace and mediation, such as hosting peace talks for Angola, Congo, Rwanda and Chad.
- Converting to Islam in 1973 and changing his name to Omar Bongo Ondimba, which increased his popularity among Muslim voters. Introducing political reforms and multiparty elections in the 1990s, in response to domestic and international pressure for democracy.
However, Omar Bongo was also criticised for his lavish lifestyle, which included owning a private jet and a yacht, his corruption and nepotism, which enriched his family and allies at the expense of the majority of Gabonese people, his human rights violations, such as suppressing dissent and opposition, and his failure to address poverty, inequality, health and education issues in Gabon.
How did the Coup Happened?
The military’s assertion of control commenced on Wednesday, shortly after the election commission of Gabon declared Bongo as the re-elected president in the aftermath of the recent weekend’s election. Individuals dressed in military attire took to national television to announce their seizure of authority.
They proclaimed the nullification of the election outcomes, enforced border closures, and dissolved numerous governmental institutions, including both chambers of the parliament. The leaders of the coup communicated that Bongo had been confined to his residence, accompanied by family and medical professionals.
Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the son of the deposed president, was apprehended along with six others on charges of high treason. A video disseminated by the Agence France-Presse news agency portrayed Bongo seated in a setting reminiscent of a library, indicating his presence at the residence and his lack of awareness about the ongoing events.
He mentioned to the CNN, “My son is somewhere, my wife is in another location,” without immediate clarity on the context of the video. Concurrently, the group of insurgents designated Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, formerly the personal guard of Bongo’s late father who previously ruled Gabon, to assume leadership during the transitional phase.
In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde on Wednesday, Oligui contended that Bongo’s rights were fully intact as a regular citizen of Gabon.
Who are the Coup Leaders?
According to the Guardian, the coup leaders are army officers who have formed a Military Council for National Salvation (CMNS). They have named General Brice Oligui Nguema as the new transitional president of Gabon.
They claim they want to achieve a peaceful and democratic transition, end corruption and poverty, and restore the rule of law and human rights in Gabon. However, their legitimacy and support are still unclear and challenged by many regional and international actors.
The Reactions of the Gabonese People
The reaction of Gabonese people to the coup is mixed and uncertain. Some people have welcomed the coup as a chance to end the Bongo dynasty and bring change to the country. Others as reported by the Reuters have denounced the coup as illegal and unconstitutional and have expressed support for President Bongo.
Many people have stayed indoors and avoided public gatherings for fear of violence or repression. The coup has also sparked condemnation and concern from regional and international organisations, such as the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, France, the United States and others. They have called for a peaceful and democratic resolution of the crisis and respect for human rights.
The World’s Reactions
The coup in Gabon has faced significant criticism from both African nations and Western countries. The African Union, which represents 55 member states, swiftly convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday, 30th August 2023.
In a statement, the commission president, Moussa Faki Mahamat, unequivocally condemned the coup, labeling it a blatant breach of the legal and political framework of the African Union. Mahamat urged Gabon’s military to ensure the safety of Ali Bongo and called for a restoration of democratic constitutional order.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also voiced condemnation of the coup on Wednesday, as relayed by his spokesperson. While expressing concern about reported violations of fundamental freedoms during the disputed election, Guterres called on all parties involved to uphold the principles of the rule of law and human rights. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, emphasised on Wednesday the United States’ strong opposition to military takeovers and unconstitutional transfers of power.
He urged the coup leaders to uphold civilian governance and emphasised that the United States stands in solidarity with the people of Gabon. The US embassy in Gabon advised American citizens to remain indoors and minimise unnecessary movement in the country.
The embassy also recommended a low-profile approach, avoidance of demonstrations, formulation of evacuation plans, and suggested that these plans should not rely solely on US government support. European leaders echoed similar sentiments.
The United Kingdom condemned the coup, urging the restoration of legitimate government in Gabon. The European Union’s chief diplomat cautioned that a coup would amplify instability across the entire region. Spain further announced its intention to assess its military missions in Africa following the series of recent coups across the continent.
Mental Implications
The recent coup attempt in Gabon may have a long, significant impact on the mental health of the Gabonese. Many people may begin feeling anxious, stressed, and uncertain about the future. This may lead many to experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Because, the coup attempt was so sudden and unexpected that has caused a great deal of chaos and uncertainty. Reports had it that, people were afraid for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. They were also worried about the political instability that could result from the coup, which may led to a decrease in income and an increase in poverty.
The mental health implications of the coup are likely to be long-lasting. People who have experienced trauma may need professional help and other psychosocial supports to cope with their symptoms.
The post What We Need To Know About the Coup in Gabon -By Caleb Onah first appeared on Opinion Nigeria.
