News / Africa Today

Unraveling Gabon military takeover

Monday, 11 September 2023 12:26 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 11 September 2023 3:03 AM ]

A group of senior military officers in Gabon took over power last month, removing President Ali Bongo Ondimba whose family ruled the Central African country for almost 56 years.

This military takeover came shortly after Gabonese Election Center confirmed that Bongo had won a third term as president with 64.27% of the vote.

Gabon's coup leaders rejected the results and named General Oligui Nguema as the country's transitional president. The people of oil-rich Gabon took to the streets to support the military takeover and celebrate the apparent end of a dynasty that began with Bongo's father, Omar, in 1967.

Gabon, a former French colony, is the second-biggest manganese producer in the world. This central African country mined an estimated 4.6 million metric tons of manganese in 2022.

Will the new government ensure that the people benefit from the country's wealth?

In this program, we are focusing on the recent military takeover in Gabon, the latest in a string of coups that have taken place in recent years in former French colonies. First, we want to answer this question: Is the coup in Gabon yet another blow to French interests in Africa?

In the second part of our show, we will review the latest developments in Niger, as the country's transitional government continues to resist foreign interference and meddling, especially by France.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk