Another coup in Africa Gabon army seizes power

A group of military officers in Gabon has declared that they have seized power in an attempt to end the long rule of the Bongo family. President Ali Bongo Ondimba recently won a disputed third term in an election accused of being rigged by the Opposition. 

 

 

This marks the eighth military coup in west and central Africa since 2020. Gunfire was reported in the capital, Libreville, following the announcement on national television. 

 

 

The military has annulled the election, dissolved state institutions, and closed borders. Gabon, an oil-rich nation, has experienced previous attempted coups, but none have succeeded due to French support. 

 

 

The country is a member of OPEC and has significant oil wealth, but economic disparities persist, and a large portion of the population lives in poverty. 

 

 

Gabon joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 2022, despite being a former French colony.