Another coup in Africa – Gabon #gabon #gaboncoup #africa #france #opec #oil #eu #europe #african

I thought we’d had enough coups for the year but Africa’s going through a widespread phenomenon of coups, and this time it’s Gabon.

On August 30, 2023, military officers in Gabon seized power, placing President Ali Bongo under house arrest. The coup leaders, headed by Brice Oligui Nguema, justified their actions by questioning the legitimacy of Bongo's recent election win and citing his 2018 stroke. This marks the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020. Initial reports indicate public support for the coup, with people taking to the streets in Libreville. The international community, including France and the EU, has expressed concern over the coup, citing its potential to increase regional instability. Important to note that Gabon is an OPEC member, producing about 200,000 barrels of oil per day.