Over 60 years Family rule Ousted in Gabon, Citizens Jubilate, President Seeks ‘International Noise’ to restore

In an unexpected turn of events, Gabon’s affluent and dynastic leader finds himself under house arrest after confidently asserting that he was immune to overthrow earlier this month. Ali Bongo Ondimba, the President of Gabon, has been at the helm of the country since 2009 but the position was, primarily sustained by his family’s prolonged grip on power.

 

In a recent declaration marking Gabon’s 60 years of independence from France, President Bongo reassured his nation that he would safeguard them from any destabilization attempts. However, a group of mutinous Gabonese security forces contradicted this claim, revealing on state television that Bongo is now in custody for alleged “unpredictable, irresponsible governance.” These soldiers asserted that individuals in Bongo’s circle have also been detained on charges of betrayal, corruption, and embezzlement.

Despite these startling developments, President Bongo, captured on video in a richly adorned room, expressed bewilderment about the situation.

 

A video which surfaced on social media showed the ousted Gabonese President, Ali Bongo, begging his international friends to “make noise” following Wednesday’s coup.

 

In the 51-second video, Bongo confirmed while seeking an international noise that he had been arrested and isolated from his son and wife, who he said were held at another place.

 

Bongo said, “My name is Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon. I am sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world, to tell them to make noise, to make noise.”

 

While the specifics of his predicament remain uncertain, his past resilience against military coups may have contributed to his confidence.

 

Hailing from a well-established political dynasty and educated in France and born to Alain Bernard Bongo on February 9, 1959, in Congo-Brazzaville, the 64-year-old Bongo assumed power in 2009 following his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for almost 42 years, died in 1967.

 

Despite narrowly securing a second term in 2016 amid contentious protests, Bongo has confronted challenges, including a stroke in 2018 that incapacitated him for several months. In early 2019, rebel soldiers attempted a coup during Bongo’s recovery in Morocco, but they were swiftly apprehended.

 

The recent coup, which emerged shortly after Bongo’s victory in a presidential election, has left many questions unanswered. The coup leaders announced Bongo’s family and medical team were with him, yet details about his condition were withheld.

 

Bongo’s extended rule mirrors the longstanding tenure of neighboring African leaders, such as Teodoro Obiang, Paul Biya, and Denis Sassou Nguesso. These leaders have maintained their positions for decades, echoing a trend of entrenched leadership in the region.

 

Despite Gabon’s substantial oil wealth, economic disparities have fueled public discontent. With frustration growing over inequality, Bongo has recognized the public’s impatience in an Independence Day address. He outlined efforts to alleviate financial strain, including initiatives to control fuel prices and make education more accessible.

 

Yet, Bongo’s rule has been marked by accusations of stifling opposition and perpetuating his grip on power. His elimination of presidential term limits and the absence of international observers in the recent general election have raised concerns.

 

Former colonizer France, while criticized by some in Africa, received relative favor from Bongo. However, President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration that “the age of Francafrique is well over” signified a shift away from propping up authoritarian regimes.

 

In the midst of this uncertainty, Bongo, confined to his residence, seeks assistance from allies. While Bongo had previously positioned Gabon as a leader in environmental conservation, his achievements in this arena are now eclipsed by images of jubilation in the streets, symbolizing newfound freedom for the Gabonese people.

 

Gabon citizens on Wednesday applauded members of the security forces in the Plein Ciel district Libreville, for taking over the government while announcing on television that they were “putting an end to the current regime”.

The military also scrapped the official election results that had handed another term to ousted President Ali Bongo.

 

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