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Gabon Faces Turmoil as Military Coup Ousts President

  • 04 Sep 2023

Recently, a military coup in Gabon has plunged the nation into chaos, removing President Ali Bongo Ondimba from power just minutes after he was declared the winner of a contentious election.

Bongo had held the presidency for nearly 14 years, following in his family's decades-long rule over the country.

Key Points:

  • Coup Unfolds: The military coup occurred immediately after Gabon's election authority announced Bongo's re-election.
  • Soldiers in army uniforms took control of national television, invalidating the election results, closing borders, and dissolving key government institutions.
  • Transitional Leader: Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, once the bodyguard of Bongo's late father, was named the transitional leader by the junta.
  • Oligui stated that Bongo was being treated as a normal citizen and enjoying all rights.
  • Immediate Measures: The junta plans to temporarily reinstate the constitutional court, resume domestic flights, and establish transitional institutions.
  • A curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been imposed, and borders remain closed.
  • International radio and television channels have been restored.
  • Coups in Africa: Recent coups in African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Tunisia, and now Gabon, signal a resurgence of military takeovers.
  • These coups often stem from issues like corruption, mismanagement, and poverty, resonating with disillusioned populations.
  • International Responses: The African Union suspended Gabon from its activities due to the coup.
  • The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) condemned the takeover and seeks a path to return to civilian rule.
  • International leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and the US State Department, expressed concerns and opposition to the coup.
  • Military Coups in Africa: Since 1950, there have been a total of 486 military coups attempted or carried out globally.
  • Africa accounts for the largest share of these coups, with a total of 214 incidents, of which at least 106 have been successful.

Notable Recent Coups in Africa

Niger:

  • In July 2023, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger was apprehended by members of the presidential guard within his palace.
  • They subsequently made a televised announcement, declaring their intention to assume control in order to address the "worsening security conditions and governance issues."

Burkina Faso:

  • In January 2022, Burkina Faso witnessed a military intervention where the army removed President Roch Kabore.
  • The army cited Kabore's failure to contain violence by Islamist militants as the reason for the coup.
  • Later in September of the same year, another coup occurred when army Captain Ibrahim Traoré forcibly deposed Paul Henri-Damiba.

Guinea:

  • In September 2021, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, commander of the special forces, overthrew President Alpha Conde.
  • The coup was triggered by Conde's change of the constitution, allowing him to stand for a third term, which led to widespread rioting.

Chad:

  • In April 2021, Chad's army seized power following the death of President Idriss Deby on the battlefield while visiting troops in the north.

Mali:

  • In August 2020, a group of Malian colonels removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
  • The coup followed anti-government protests related to deteriorating security, contested legislative elections, and allegations of corruption.
  • Nine months later, a countercoup took place, with Assimi Goita, who was named vice president after the first coup, leading the second and becoming the head of state.

Sudan:

  • In October 2021, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan led a military takeover in Khartoum.
  • The coup dissolved a ruling council that shared power between the army and civilians, causing turmoil in Sudan's democratic transition.

Reasons for Coups in Africa

Questioning Democracy amid Economic Challenges

  • A decline in the quality of life has led to skepticism about the benefits of democracy.
  • Citizens face rising living costs due to inflation and armed group attacks in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions.
  • The World Bank predicts a further drop in economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa from 3.6% in 2022 to 3.1% in 2023.
  • Despite the focus on democratic governance by leaders and the international community, civilian leaders are losing support.

External Factors Fueling the Desire for Change

  • Most recent coups occurred in former French colonies, with France facing some blame.
  • Coupmakers often use anti-French rhetoric to gain popular support.
  • France has been criticized for its continued influence in its former colonies and support for authoritarian governments.
  • However, attributing all blame to outsiders may oversimplify the issue.

The Role of Democratic Dividends

  • Lack of democratic benefits for citizens is a significant reason why coups find support.
  • Despite hopes for a better future, military governments may also fail to deliver these benefits.
  • Military rule may provide temporary relief but worsen the overall situation, akin to scratching an itchy wound.