The coup d’état that occurred in Gabon on the night of Tuesday, August 29th to Wednesday, August 30th, 2023, marks the end of the Bongo family’s rule and sends Ali Bongo into retirement, just as he was preparing to seek a third term. The military took advantage of the controversy surrounding the 2023 general elections to put an end to a dynasty that lasted for 56 years.
In an impressive historic reign of 56 years, the Bongo family held the reins of power in Gabon. Their rule, which began with the late Omar Bongo in 1967, has indeed left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape, especially with Ali Bongo taking over since 2009.
The Bongo dynasty’s rule has come to an end just hours ago through the actions of the military, who denounced “rigged results” in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, where Ali Bongo Ondimba had just been declared the winner by the Gabonese Electoral Center (CGE).
During their long tenure, the Bongo dynasty witnessed transformations, challenges, and undoubtedly triumphs. The leadership of the Bongo family played a significant role in Gabon’s development, both nationally and internationally.
However, as with any prolonged rule, challenges and criticisms also emerged. The quality of governance, transparency, and concentration of power within a single family have long raised questions. These concerns have led to debates and discussions about the need for political reforms and greater inclusivity in Gabon’s democratic processes.
An unfinished new chapter… The Bongo family, despite Ali Bongo’s visibly frail health, had just begun a new chapter of their rule. But quickly, they found the military in their way. He was declared elected and deposed almost immediately. Ali Bongo didn’t even have the chance to deliver his first speech as the President of the Gabonese Republic for his third term.
A few days before the coup, signs of a political crisis were already visible. The opposition was already denouncing electoral fraud. Subsequently, the government decided to cut internet connectivity and impose a curfew in the country.
The coup plotters denounced “irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuous deterioration of social cohesion, with the risk of driving the country into chaos.” The electoral process, which they described as “non-transparent,” was the final straw that broke the camel’s back. “Today, August 30th, 2023, we, the defense and security forces, united within the Transitional and Institutional Restoration Committee (CTRI), in the name of the Gabonese people and as protectors of the institutions, have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime,” declared the junta spokesperson.
Departed through the back door? Several observers of Gabon’s political scene agree that Ali Bongo could have had an honorable exit if he had relinquished the third term. It is evident that this third term is generating political crisis and socio-economic instability.
The spontaneous joy observed in the streets of the country upon the announcement of the coup is a sign of a portion of the Gabonese people’s disapproval of the third term granted to Ali Bongo.
