2023 Gabonese coup d'état facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2023 Gabonese coup d'état |
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 Map of Gabon |
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 Ali Bongo OndimbaRose Christiane Raponda Alain Claude Bilie By Nze |
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema | ||||||
On August 30, 2023, a coup d'état happened in Gabon. A coup is when a group, usually the military, suddenly takes control of a government. This event followed a general election on August 26, which had many disagreements. The military removed President Ali Bongo Ondimba from power. His victory in the election had just been announced that same day.
This coup ended the Bongo family's 56-year rule in Gabon. It was also the eighth successful coup in West and Central Africa since 2020. Other countries that had similar events include Mali (twice), Chad, Guinea, Burkina Faso (twice), and Niger.
Contents
Gabon's Political History
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Gabon has been mostly ruled by the Bongo family. Omar Bongo became president in 1967. After he passed away in 2009, his son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, took over. Ali Bongo Ondimba was re-elected in 2016 in an election that caused a lot of debate. This led to a failed attempt to overthrow the government in 2019.
Under the Bongo family's rule, there were many claims of unfairness and favoritism. People said that family members were given important jobs. Several elections were also said to have problems, like cheating. For example, in the 2016 election, Ali Bongo's home area showed he won with 95.5% of the votes. This seemed very unlikely and caused many protests. The country's laws were changed many times. This made it possible for the president to stay in power for a long time. It also made it harder for other political groups to win elections.
Gabon is a major oil producer in Africa and a member of OPEC. Oil brings in 60% of the country's money. Gabon also has one of the highest incomes per person in Africa. However, many people in Gabon face serious money problems. About one-third of the population lives on less than US$5.50 a day. In 2020, about 40% of young people aged 15 to 24 did not have jobs.
On August 17, Gabon's Independence Day, President Bongo gave a speech. He said he would not let Gabon become "unstable," referring to other recent coups in the region.
The 2023 Elections
A presidential election was held on August 26, 2023. The current president, Ali Bongo, was trying to win a third term. On August 30, he was officially announced as the winner. However, other political groups and independent observers immediately said there were problems with the election. They doubted if the results were fair. Albert Ondo Ossa, who came in second, also claimed there were issues.
Just two hours before voting ended, Ondo Ossa said that the Bongo team had cheated. He had already said he won and asked Bongo to allow a peaceful transfer of power. The official election results were announced very late at night on state television. There was no warning. The country was put under a curfew, meaning people had to stay home at night. Internet access was also cut off. The government said these steps were to stop "false news" and possible violence.
The Coup Begins
Key Events
As more people questioned the election and protests grew, the Armed Forces of Gabon launched a coup early on August 30. Soldiers led by high-ranking officers took control of important government buildings. They also took over communication channels and key locations in the capital city, Libreville. Gunfire was heard in the city.
The coup happened just minutes after Bongo's re-election was announced at 3:30 am WAT. He had won with 64.27% of the votes. On state TV, about a dozen military officers announced the end of the current government. A military spokesperson said they were speaking for a group called the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions". They said the government had been "irresponsible" and had caused "a continuous degradation of social cohesion." This, they said, risked pushing the country into chaos.
Among the officers were army colonels and members of the Republican Guard. They announced that the recent election results were canceled. They also said that all state institutions were closed down. The country's borders would be closed until further notice. Internet access, which had been off since the election, was restored. The curfew was also shortened to only apply at night, starting August 31.
Arrests of Leaders
The military group, called the junta, later announced that President Bongo had been arrested and was being held at his home. His oldest son and adviser, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, was also arrested. The junta said they were with family and doctors. The President of the National Assembly, Richard Auguste Onouviet, was also arrested. Other arrested officials included Bongo's chief of staff, his deputy, his spokesperson, another adviser, and two top officials from Bongo's political party. The junta stated that these individuals were arrested for serious charges like treason and corruption.
Even though he was held, Bongo shared a video online. He looked upset and asked for help in English. He called on his friends and supporters in Gabon and worldwide to "raise their voice" and "make noise." After his appeal, the head of a company that helped Bongo during the election said the military took the phones of those with Bongo.
New Interim President
Brigadier General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who led the Republican Guard, was later made the interim president by the military junta. People saw him being carried on the shoulders of happy soldiers, who called him the "president." In an interview, he said Bongo was "retired." He explained that the military took action because people in the country were unhappy. This unhappiness had grown since Bongo had a stroke in 2018. People were also upset about his decision to run for a third term, and how the country's laws were not followed.
Other generals confirmed his appointment as interim president. A spokesperson for the junta said he would officially become "transitional president" at the headquarters of the constitutional court on September 4.
See also
