Developed by: Mateusz Kabacinski, 19.09.2023.
Historical context
Gabon is simply a country located in central Africa on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Borders with Equatorial Guinea in the west, Cameroon in the north and Congo in the east. The capital of this country and the largest city is Libreville[1]. The past of his independency is closely related to the Bongo family. In August 1960, Gabon gained independency from France. In 1967, Omar Bongo, future president, founded the Gabonese Democratic organization (fr. Parti Démocratique Gabonais, PDG), focusing all power at 1 point. Despite the introduction of the PDG multiparty strategy in the 1990s, she continued to exercise real power[2]. Omar ruled the state until his death in 2009. Omar's successor was his son, Ali Bongo. He took office as president shortly after his father's death, winning the presidential election[3].
Map 1. Gabon on map of Africa.
Gabon's political system
The president of Gabon not only serves as head of state, but is besides a key player in shaping politics and governing the country. He has the final, decisive word on many issues – from abroad policy to economical policy. Under the Gabonese Constitution, he is elected in the general election for 5 years and has the power to unlimited number of re-elections[4].
It is worth mentioning that the presidential word was 7 years earlier. In April 2023, Parliament adopted an amendment to the Constitution which established the word of office of the President, Parliament and local authorities for 5 years, thus synchronising their elections. Parliament besides approved a change in electoral law which reduced the number of election observers to 3 at each electoral site, designated 1 by the majority party, opposition and independent candidates[5].
The strategy of electing the president over the years has caused quite a few controversy. Elections are held in one-man voting mode and the candidate wins with the highest number of votes. However, electoral processes have frequently been questioned by opposition and global observers due to accusations and allegations of irregularities and deficiency of transparency[6].
The Gabonese Senate, 1 of the chambers of parliament alongside the National Assembly, has an crucial function in the country's political system, as it focuses on creating and adopting laws and overseeing government activities. It consists of 67 senators, elected for six years[7].
The Gabonese National Assembly is the lower home of Parliament and focuses on the creation of laws and representation of citizens' interests. It has 143 deputies, elected for five-year word in the general election. The electoral strategy is based on the rule of comparative majority, and candidates compete in single-mandate electoral districts[8].
Presidential, parliamentary and self-government elections
On August 26, 2023, presidential elections were held in Gabon and on August 30, national electoral authorities announced their results. The winner was Ali Bongo, winning 293,919 votes, or 64,27 percent. A full of 19 candidates participated in the election. Next to Ali Bongo, Albert Ondo Ossy, representing the Alternance 2023 party, had a real chance to compete. However, he obtained 140,690 votes, which represented 30.77 percent.[9]
In 2023, the population of Gabon was 2,314,584, of which 846,643 (36.75%) had the right to vote. During the election, 457 288 citizens of Gabon voted. This means that attendance was 56.64%.[10]
Chart 1. Results of the 2018 Gabon National Assembly elections, own survey based on: Election for Gabonese National Assembly, "Election Guide", 26.08.2023, https://www.electionguide.org/elections/id/4061/, 29.08.2023.
Also on August 26, elections to the National Assembly and local structures were held. Over 10 parties competed in this year's parliamentary elections, but no of them had a real chance of reaching a crucial majority. In the erstwhile 2018 National Assembly election, PDG won as many as 98 seats out of 143[11]. The results of this year's elections were not announced as there was a military coup.
Military coup and annulment of elections
The coup began early in the morning on August 30. A group of soldiers appeared at Ali Bongo's residence, announcing the takeover of power in the country. The president was detained and imprisoned in the building, and 1 of his sons, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, was arrested, accusing him of treason. Gabon Armed Forces officers and Republican defender members participated in the assassination. Witness reports show that during the bombing there were shots fired in the center of the capital[12].
After a successful bombing, the military junta appeared on state tv Gabon 24. Military spokesperson Ulrich Manfoumbi reported that he spoke on behalf of the Committee on Transformation and Renewal of Institution (CtRI)[13]. He announced the annulment of fresh elections, the dissolution of all state institutions (including the Senate, the courts, the Constitutional Court, the National Assembly), the dismissal of the president and Prime Minister and the closure of borders[14].
During the transmission, it was besides informed that the President's powers would be taken over by the Chief of Presidential defender General Brice Oligui Nguema. The junta besides assured citizens that the next day the people of Gabon would be free to deal with their affairs "from 6.00 to 6.00." However, by the end of that day (30 August) a full ban on leaving home was introduced[15].
Shortly after the bombing, a video of Ali Bongo under home arrest appeared online. Initially, the public was careful in assessing the authenticity of the recording. It was only after the confirmation that it was widely available on various social media, including platforms: X, Facebook and LinkedIn[16].
The video shows a man sitting in the president's chair with a clearly noticeable snot on his face. Bongo initially stated that he felt confused – he did not know what was going on or where his loved ones were.[17]. He then called for aid from his supporters, encouraging them to “raise their voice”[18].
Photo 1. Libreville – the capital of Gabon.
Local reactions
The announcement of the coup caused widespread joy in Libreville and another cities. In fact, the inhabitants of the capital organized marches immediately, celebrating the change of the system. The event active not only ending the long-term regulation of the Bongo family, but besides drastically reducing France's influence[19].
International reactions
The global arena reacted very rapidly to the event. On 30 August, a spokesperson for the Ministry of abroad Affairs stated after the assassination on behalf of Germany: “We are anxiously following events in Gabon and monitoring the situation in close cooperation with our partners”[20]. Wang Wenbin, Minister of abroad Affairs of the People's Republic of China, called for a peaceful settlement of the Gabonese conflict through dialog between the 2 parties[21]. Ismail Omar Guelleh, long-standing president of Djibouti[22], denounced both the war in Gabon and the fresh trend of coups in Africa[23].
A spokesperson for the French government Olivier Veran in an authoritative message said that France powerfully condemns the military coup. There are inactive nearly 400 French soldiers stationed in Gabon, but as a consequence of the bombing of the influence of France in the region, he said, their number has decreased dramatically.[24].
The event was besides commented by global organisations specified as the African Union (African Union, AU), the European Union (European Union, EU) and the economical Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Both AU, EU and ECCAS condemned the Gabonese coup during the meetings. In addition, the African Union has stated that the coup is simply a ‘dangerous violation’ of the legal instruments of the Union. On September 5, ECCAC suspended Gabon in the rights of a associate of the organization[25].
Who's the warrior leader?
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is simply a Gabonese general presently serving as interim president of Gabon and president of CTRI, formerly head of the defender of president Gabon and Chief Commander of the Gabonese Republican Guard[26]. He's always been 1 of the most influential figures in the country. As the boy of a military officer, he followed his father in his education at the Royal Military Academy in Morocco[27]. During the reign of Omar Bongo, he was 1 of his most crucial soldiers. Following president Nguema's death, they were sent to Morocco and Senegal officially as part of diplomatic missions, but in fact most likely to disengage him from power.[28]. Upon his return to Gabon, he assumed the position of Head of Secret Service and was appointed Head of the Republican defender in 2019.[29].
On the day of the coup, the public declared him the leader of the coup. After the broadcast ended, soldiers walking down the street carried him on their hands and called him president[30]. The following day, Nguema gave an interview for “Le Monde” in which he explained that the coup was organised due to increasing discontent in the country since Bongo announced his candidacy for a 3rd term. He besides stated that the president, whom he had previously called a "retirement", had repeatedly disregarded the constitution and the conduct of elections[31].
On the same day Brice again appeared on state television. It was not just an interview – in a packed hall in the presidential palace, the leader accepted members of the Gabonese Business Federation to jointly find the direction of the country's economical and social transformation. He started the gathering with the words "I am applicable and pragmatic, so I will personally guarantee that today's proposals are implemented".
During the meeting, Brice undertook to implement 4 issues in the course of his presidency: the interior debt regulation, the restoration of the cash control strategy in the Ministry of Finance, the improvement of pensioners' situation by privatising 2 social safety funds (National wellness Insurance and Social warrant Fund and National Social Insurance Fund) and the fight against corruption through many government task backing controls[32].
Nguema sworn in as interim president
On the day of the assassination, Nguem took over the powers of the President, de facto assuming power in the country. At the same time, he gained large favour from both another soldiers and the Gabonese themselves. Shortly after the end of the coup, the Nguema nomination for interim president began. In this regard, he gained the generals' favor, so that on September 4, 2023, he made a formal oath in the presidential palace as “transitionary president”[33].
In his beginning speech, he announced that a "free and transparent" election would be held and that a fresh government would be established in the coming days. In addition, he undertook to propose a fresh electoral code, a fresh penal code, a referendum on a fresh constitution and the release of all political prisoners[34].
Ali Bongo back on the loose
On September 6, 2023, in a tv message, the junta spokesperson announced the release of president Bongo from home arrest. The decision was made due to the wellness condition of the fallen leader, who, according to the spokesman, must go abroad for medical examinations. "Due to the state of health, erstwhile Republican president Ali Bongo Ondimba can decision freely. If he wants, he can go abroad for medical examinations," said Colonel Manfoumbi. A message announcing Bongo's release from home arrest signed by Brice Nguema[35].
The next day Nguema appeared on state television. He read his message in which he announced the appointment of Prime Minister of Gabon. It became Raymond Ndong Sima, a politician who was Minister of Agriculture from 2009 to 2012 and Prime Minister of Gabon from 2012 to 2014[36].
Summary
The Gabonese coup is already the eighth specified case in Africa since 2020. It is presently hard to find what its long-term effects will be on the home situation of the country. surely you can talk about ending over 50 years of Bongo household rule. Brice Nguema, who assumed full power in the state under the coup, besides committed to resolving 4 issues, including the regulation of interior debt or the control of the expenditure of the Ministry of Finance.
It is besides unclear how the assassination will affect Gabon's abroad policy. However, a simplification in French influence can be expected. It is worth noting that African military bombings frequently enjoy exceptional public support, and that is no different in this case.
In this regard, it is recommended to follow and analyse Bric Nguema's actions in the field of external and interior policies.
[1]Gabon country profile, ‘BBC’, 1.09.2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13376333, 6.09.2023.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4]Election for Gabonese National Assembly, ‘Election Guide’, 26.08.2023, https://www.electionguide.org/elections/id/4061/, 29.08.2023.
[5]Gabon: Presidential word reduced from 7 to 5 years, ‘Africa News’, 7.04.2023, https://www.africanews.com/2023/04/07/gabon-presidential-term-reduced-from-seven-to-five-years/, 15.08.2023.
[6] Ibid.
[7]The legislature of Republic of Gabon, ‘ASSECAA’, https://assecaa.org/index.php/en/62-association-of-senates-shoora-and-equivalent-councils-in-africa-and-the-arab-world-assecaa/members-councils/173-the-senate-of-republic-of-gabon, 3.09.2023.
[8] Ibid.
[9]Election for Gabonese National...
[10] A.I. Mustavu, Gabon: Ali Bongo authoritative réélu, des militaires prenent le pouvoir, ‘Gabon Review’, 30.08.2023, https://www.gabonreview.com/gabon-ali-bongo-officellement-reelu-des-militaires-prenent-le-pouvoir/, 2.09.2023.
[11]Election for Gabonese National...
[12]Military coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema sworn in as interim president in Gabon, ‘ABC’, 4.09.2023, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-05/gabon-couper-nguema-sworn-in-as-interim-president/102814124, 9.09.2023.
[13]Coup d’Etat au Gabon, ‘Lexpress’, 4.09.2023, https://www.lexpress.fr/monde/afrique/coup-detat-au-gabon-J5S4YHZNG5FPBNMY6PJLJS3GHM/, 5.09.2023.
[14]Gabon, notre image du général Brice Oligui Nguema, ‘Mondafrique’, 30.08.2023, https://mondafrique.com/politique/le-general-clothaire-oligui-nguema-lhomme-fort-du-pouvoir-gabonais/, 6.09.2023.
[15]General Brice Oligui Nguema, the man named to lead Gabon after coup, ‘France 24’, 31.08.2023, https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20230831-general-brice-oligui-nguema-named-gabon-s-new-leader-after-coup, 2.09.2023.
[16] K. Armstrong, W. Ross, G. Kowalski, Gabon coup: Army seizes power from Ali Bongo and puts his in home arrest, “BBC”, 30.08.2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66654965, 31.08.2023.
[17] The president Gabon’s Decadeslong Dynastic Leadership in Jeopardy After Coup, ‘VOA News’, 30.08.2023, https://www.voanews.com/a/gabon-s-decadeslong-dynastic-leadership-in-jeopardy-after-coup/7248487.html, 31.08.2023.
[18]Gabon’s Ali Bongo Ondimba Calls 'on the planet to Make Noise', ‘YouTube’, 30.08.2023, https://www.youtube.com/embed/pJyiz7nz6H4, 6.09.2023.
[19] A.M. Boudombo, M.S.C. Eyene, Au Gabon, des prokes du président déchu aux aręts, ‘BBC’, 31.08.2023, https://www.bbc.com/afrique/articles/c4nqk82expo, 7.09.2023.
[20]Germany deplores military coup in Gabon, ‘AA’, 31.08.2023, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/germany-deplores-military-coup-in-gabon/2979986, 15.09.2023.
[21] Xinhua, China urges applicable sites in Gabon to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, ‘English News’, 30.08.2023, https://english.news.cn/20230830/83e84d80057644df9c3d1aff42285026/c.html, 13.09.2023.
[22] He has ruled the state since 1999. S. Mednick, Gabon election results were a ‘smokescreen’ for soldiers to oust unpopular president, analysts say, ‘AP News’, 31.08.2023, https://apnews.com/article/gabon-mutiny-president-bongo-bf34a2f16ab2a3a406270b3a735ef78f, 2.09.2023.
[23] Since 2020, 8 coups (including Gabon) have been reported in the erstwhile French African colonies in 7 different countries. The president Gabon’s Decadeslong Dynastic...
[24]World reaction to the military coup in Gabon, ‘Al Jazeera’, 30.08.2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/30/world-action-to-the-military-coup-in-gabon, 30.08.2023.
[25]Gabon coup leader meets regional envoy, opposition after inauguration, ‘RFI’, 7.09.2023, https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20230907-gabon-coup-leader-meets-regional-envoy-opposition-leader-following-inauguration, 10.09.2023.
[26] The president Qui est Brice Oligui Nguema, le général à la tete du Coup d’État au Gabon?, ‘Afrikbuzz’, 30.08.2023, https://afrikbuzz.com/qui-est-brice-oligui-nguema-le-general-a-la-tete-du-coup-detat-au-gabon/, 8.09.2023.
[27] Ibid.
[28]Qui est Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, le Général à la tete de la transition gabonaise?, ‘Cameroun Actuel’, 30.08.2023, https://camerounactuel.com/qui-est-brice-clotaire-oligui-nguema-le-general-a-la-tete-de-la-transition-gabonaise/, 13.09.2023.
[29]Who is General Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s fresh strongman?, "Africa News", 31.08.2023, https://www.africanews.com/2023/08/31/who-is-general-oligui-nguema-gabons-new-strongman/, 1.09.2023.
[30]General Brice Oligui Nguema...
[31] The president Gabon’s coup-leading general says president Bongo has been 'retired', ‘Le Monde’, 30.08.2023, https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2023/08/30/gabon-s-coup-leading-general-says-bongo-is-retired_6115749_124.html, 4.09.2023.
[32] The president Voici les quatre priorités socioéconomiques du général Oligui Nguema, ‘BBC’, 1.09.2023, https://www.bbc.com/afrique/articles/cn37410y577o, 8.09.2023.
[33] T. Naadi, Gabon coup leader Brice Nguema vows free elections – but no date, ‘BBC’, 4.09.2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66705693, 6.09.2023.
[34]Military squad leader...
[35]Gabon’s military say posted president Ali Bongo ‘free’ to travel abroad, ‘Al Jazeera’, 7.09.2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/7/gabons-military-says-ex-president-ali-bongo-free-to-travel-abroad, 12.09.2023.
[36]Gabon military government appoints erstwhile opposition leader as interim PM, ‘Al Jazeera’, 7.09.2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/7/gabon-military-government-appoints-former-opposition-leader-as-interim-pm, 8.09.2023.
