Latest wave of military takeovers hits Gabon
The cap of military takeovers has fitted well on President Ali Bongo of Gabon. Following the proclamation of the controversial election results of the just-ended presidential vote, the Gabonese military overwhelmed the presidency and state television, making an announcement that the military has seized the baton of command. The military also proclaimed the dissolution of elections and institutions. Calling themselves the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, the military was quoted as saying, « Today, our country is going through a crucial political crisis. We have observed an irresponsible, unforeseeable governance that has resulted in the steady degradation of social cohesion, which risks leading the country to chaos […] we have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the regime in power, » they reiterated. The latest military maneuver comes as Gabon’s National Election Commission declares that Ali Bongo Odimda, who has been in power for 14 years, has emerged victorious after the August 26 presidential elections, paving the way for a third term in office despite his failing health. According to the NEC, Bongo secured about 64.27 percent of the votes cast, an announcement that angered the Gabonese opposition and civil society members who have been advocating for the departure of Ali Bongo. It is worth noting that in 2019, Gabon was able to thwart a coup attempt. The story is different in 2023 as the latest power seizure is seemingly paving the way for the exit and an end to the Bongo regime. The Bongo family has been at the helm of Gabonese presidency for 51 years. Ali Bongo took the baton of command in 2009. With the controversies that marked the august 26, 2023 polls, concerns of post electoral violence in Gabon were imminent, but many were short sighted about the drastic twist of affairs-the coup d’état. What stakes for Gabon ? The answer to this question lies in the development that will mark the country’s political stage in the impending days.
Mamma Beri