Shiv Telegram Media: Gabon Border Reopens Shortly After Military Coup
2 min read
Gabon Reopens Borders After Military Coup, Raising Concerns in West and Central Africa
Gabon, a country in west central Africa, has reopened its borders following a military coup that led to the ousting of President Ali Bongo. General Brice Oligui Nguema and a group of military officers seized power, placing Bongo under house arrest and installing Nguema as the new head of state.
This is the eighth military coup in the region over the past three years, signaling a worrying trend of military takeovers in west and central Africa. The coup in Gabon has erased the democratic progress made in the country over the past two decades.
International pressure has been exerted on the leaders of the coup to restore civilian government. However, they have stated that they will not rush into holding elections. This statement has sparked concerns among the international community about the intentions and legitimacy of the new regime.
The decision to reopen the borders was announced by an army spokesperson on national television. The junta cited their commitment to the rule of law, maintaining good relations with neighboring countries, and fulfilling international obligations as the reasons behind this move.
Opponents of the Bongo family, who have held power in Gabon for 56 years, argue that they have not effectively shared the country’s oil and mining wealth. This sentiment has contributed to growing dissatisfaction among the population and fueled support for the military coup.
The situation in Gabon is reminiscent of similar events in other countries in the region, including Guinea, Chad, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso since 2020. These continuous instances of political instability and military takeovers have raised concerns among international powers with strategic interests in the area.
As the political landscape in the region remains uncertain, countries with ties to Gabon and neighboring nations are closely monitoring the situation. The hope is for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of a civilian-led government that can work towards addressing the needs and aspirations of the Gabonese people.
