Gabon Coup Sparks Reactions from France and EU
As events in Gabon indicate the end of Ali Bongo’s 14-year reign, Libreville’s associates have begun to respond.
As she addressed French ambassadors congregated in Paris on Wednesday (August 29), French PM Elizabeth Borne stated that her country was closely monitoring the situation.
“Once again, throughout the course of this year, you were present as usual, and the action of the French diplomatic network was marked by the response to several significant crises, including the war in Ukraine and the coup d’état in Niger. Now, there is the situation in Gabon, which we are attentively monitoring.
On Wednesday morning, a group of military officers appeared on television to announce that they were annulling the official election results that had given the veteran President Ali Bongo Ondimba another term.
Wednesday morning, EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell addressed reporters: “Well, the news reports are confusing. I received the news early this morning. If verified, this would be another military coup that would increase regional instability. I cannot elaborate because I lack additional information. Nonetheless, we will undoubtedly bring up this issue when we deliberate.”
Relatively stable up to the present
Following the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had governed the country for 41 years, Ali Bongo was first elected in 2009.
Gabon, unlike Niger and two other West African nations ruled by military juntas, had been viewed as relatively stable and free of jihadi violence.
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This new turn of events could prompt the EU to develop a new Africa strategy: “The entire region, beginning with the Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and possibly Gabon, is in a very precarious position,” Josep Borrell observed.
“Without a doubt, the ministers, today the defense ministers and tomorrow the foreign ministers, must reflect on what is occurring there and how we can enhance our policy toward these nations. This is a major concern for Europe.”
“We call on all parties in Gabon to proceed from the fundamental interests of the country and the people, to resolve differences through dialogue, and to restore normal order as soon as possible,” said Wang Wenbin, spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry.
According to reports, President Bongo is under house detention with his family and physicians.
In 2018, he sustained a stroke and spent over nine months recovering. During his recuperation abroad, a failed rebellion was attempted.
Among others, the son of Bongo, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, was arrested on allegations including embezzlement and drug trafficking.
Gabon Coup Sparks Reactions from France and EU
