Gabon, an oil-rich country located on the west coast of Central Africa, with a population of just 2.4 million, finds itself amid a political crisis as a military coup has toppled President Ali Bongo’s government. The coup leaders have cited disagreements with the recent official election results as a primary motivation for their actions.

An Ousted President’s Appeal To Supporters

Speaking from his residence on Wednesday, Bongo issued a heartfelt plea to his supporters, urging them to “raise your voice” in response to the unfolding crisis. He also confirmed his house arrest, expressing uncertainty about the whereabouts of his family members and appealing for assistance.

Intriguingly, the ousted president chose to address the Commonwealth in English rather than using French, the official language of Gabon. This choice may signal a potential shift in diplomatic alliances as the situation unfolds.

A communications company associated with the presidency has verified the video’s authenticity, revealing that Bongo’s office directed them to circulate it.

Meanwhile, the military officers disclosed that they arrested one of Bongo’s sons on treason charges. They announced the appointment of General Brice Oligui Nguema, the head of the presidential guard, as the new leader, a development that marks the potential end of the Bongo family’s 55-year reign in Gabon.

The coup leaders also imposed temporary restrictions on the movement of Gabonese citizens, permitting freedom of movement between 0600 and 1800 while maintaining traffic restrictions. In addition, they declared the dissolution of “all the institutions of the republic” and closed the country’s borders until further notice.

Election Results Spark Controversy and Discontent

The catalyst for this crisis emerged from the controversial presidential election held last weekend, which claimed President Bongo as the winner with approximately two-thirds of the votes, according to official reports. However, the opposition vehemently contested these results.

Then, on Tuesday, the opposition, led by candidate Albert Ondo Ossa, asserted that he was the rightful winner of the election. They further alleged that the electoral process had been marred by widespread rigging, casting doubt on the credibility of the outcome.

In response to the election disputes, the military officers who orchestrated the coup asserted their intention to “defend peace by putting an end to the current regime.” They argued that the election results did not meet the conditions necessary for a transparent, credible, and inclusive ballot, which the Gabonese population had eagerly anticipated.

Following the coup announcement, the streets of Gabon’s capital, Libreville, witnessed a significant outpouring of public support for the military’s actions. Hundreds of people took to the streets to welcome the coup, indicating the extent of public frustration with the decades-long rule of the Bongo family.

Gabon’s Unique Geopolitical Significance

Despite its relatively small population, the Central African nation holds a significant position on the continent due to its status as a major oil producer. Additionally, the country boasts extensive forest coverage, encompassing nearly 90 percent of its territory. Notably, Gabon joined the Commonwealth in June 2022, a unique distinction given that it was not a former British colony.

France’s Changing Role in Africa: Shifting Dynamics Amid Gabon’s Military Coup

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The coup in Gabon marks the eighth political upheaval in former French colonies across Africa over the past three years. However, it stands apart from the others, which primarily occurred in the Sahel region due to concerns over governance and security.

The French government swiftly condemned the takeover and called for the respect of the election results. Yet, French influence in Africa has diminished in recent years, and this situation may test the extent of its willingness to intervene on behalf of President Bongo.

International Reactions and Gabon’s Uncertain Future

The international community has responded with concern to the coup. Russia, China, and the European Union have all expressed their unease over the developments. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, highlighted the potential for increased instability in Africa as a consequence of the military takeover.

Following the apparent coup, authorities briefly restored internet access, suspended for security reasons following the election, and maintained the ongoing curfew.

Concerns about the electoral process have long plagued Gabon’s presidential elections, with allegations of ballot irregularities and restricted access to foreign media. Opponents have contested both of President Bongo’s previous election victories.

President Ali Bongo assumed power in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar Bongo. His presidency has faced various challenges, including a stroke in 2018 that incapacitated him for almost a year and a failed coup attempt the following year, which resulted in the imprisonment of mutinying soldiers.

As Gabon confronts this latest political turmoil, the world watches closely, concerned about the potential ramifications not only for this oil-rich nation but also for the broader stability of the African continent.