As developments in Gabon point to the end of Ali Bongo’s 14-year leadership, Libreville’s partners are reacting.
As she talked to French diplomats assembled in Paris on Wednesday (Aug. 29), French Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne stated her country was closely monitoring the situation.
“Once again, you have been present as usual this year, and the action of the French diplomatic network has been marked by the response to several major crises, including the war in Ukraine and the coup in Niger.” “Right now, we’re keeping a close eye on the situation in Gabon.”
A group of military soldiers emerged on television early Wednesday to announce that they were overturning official election results that had given veteran President Ali Bongo Ondimba another term.
On Wednesday morning, the EU’s senior diplomat, Josep Borrell, told reporters, “Well, the news [reports] are confused.” I got the news early this morning. If this is true, it will be yet another military coup in the region, increasing instability. I can’t say anything else since I don’t have any more information. But it is an issue that will undoubtedly be raised when we meet.”
Until now, everything has been quite steady.
Following the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled the country for 41 years, Ali Bongo was elected for the first time in 2009.
Gabon, unlike Niger and two other West African nations controlled by military juntas, has been reasonably peaceful and has not been plagued by Islamic violence.
This latest development may push the EU to develop a new Africa strategy: “The entire region; starting with the Central African Republic, then Mali, then Burkina Faso, now Niger, possibly Gabon, is in a very difficult situation,” Josep Borrell remarked.
“Certainly, the ministers, today’s defense ministers, tomorrow’s foreign ministers, must think deeply about what is going on there and how we can improve our policy toward these countries.” This is a major concern for Europe.”
“We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible,” said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry.
President Bongo is allegedly being held at his home with his family and medics.
He had a stroke in 2018 and spent more than 9 months rehabilitating. A coup attempt failed while he was recuperating in another country.
Among those imprisoned were Bongo’s son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, for crimes including misappropriation of public funds and drug trafficking.
