Gabon follows Niger on the list of countries that have experienced coups in Africa after the military ‘cancelled’ the Gabon general election results. Without military intervention, Ali Bongo Ondimba would have resumed his third term in office continuing a 54-year family dynasty.
Gabon gained autonomy from French rule in 1958, paving the way for its official independence in 1960. Although the country practises a democratic system, it has remained under the rule of a single family for over five decades. Additionally, the dynasty maintains close ties with France and a focus on oil exports amid socio-economic challenges. It is these challenges that have stirred the Gabon military to claim a stake in the country and oust former president, Ali Bongo Ondimba...
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