A few soldiers announcing their takeover on state television is a common sight these days in Africa.
This time, a rigged election was used as an alibi; Ali Bongo, the incumbent president of Gabon, had only a few hours earlier been named the victor of a poll that had received widespread criticism.
Journalists and international observers had been barred from covering it.
It is challenging to determine genuine support in a patronage system where it is essentially purchased.
However, it is undeniable that after holding onto power since 1967, the Bongo family dynasty has lost support in Gabon.
People appeared to be genuinely happy as they quickly took to the streets following the announcement of the military takeover. There hasn’t been any indication of resistance thus far.
This poses a conundrum for the global community, including the African Union. France has quickly issued its usual condemnation.
A request for yet another term of Ali Bongo is likely to be met with the same reaction in Gabon as a hot fish slap given its recent sharp decline in influence across Africa.
Source-BBC
