From French colonies to epicenters of coups: The instability of West Africa

Coup d'état in Gabon: Political destabilization in West Africa

On August 30, Gabon became the last West African country to suffer a coup d'état. The political and social repercussions of this events resonate with the unstable political climate of other countries in the region.

Gabon's top military commanders, in a television broadcast, announced the takeover of the country and the annulment of the general elections held on 26 August, in which President Ali Bongo was declared winner. This coup represents the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020, highlighting the instability in the former French colonies.

#BREAKING ‼️ MILITARY COUP in Gabon, the President is under house arrest 🇬🇦 pic.twitter.com/IcmebsfOcz

— What the media hides. (@narrative_hole) August 30, 2023

Niger: The presidential guard detained the president, alleging deterioration of security and bad governance. ECOWAS attempted to negotiate with leaders Coup.

Burkina Faso: Two coups in less than a year, both related to violence by Islamist militants.

Guinea: President Alpha Conde was overthrown after modifying the Constitution for a third term.

Chad: After the assassination of President Idriss Deby, the army He took control, destabilizing the constitutional order.

Mali: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was overthrown after a series of anti-government protests.

Current situation in Gabon:

The army has dissolved all institutions in the country, and Ali Bongo and his family are under arrest. The community The international region, including the EU, has expressed concern about the instability in the region. Although Gabon was considered stable, its high rate of Unemployment and economic problems appear to have fueled discontent.

NEW VIDEO: Gabon president Ali Bongo Ondimba appeals for international support after military coup - in English pic.twitter.com/Sj8PXkCKqa

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) August 30, 2023

With Gabon being a vital member of OPEC and a key player in production of oil, the coup has significant economic repercussions. In addition President Bongo's relationship with France, and the French military presence in Gabon, it adds another geopolitical dimension to the event.

The frequency of coups d'état in West and Central Africa is alarming. The political instability in Gabon, added to that of other countries, underlines the The need for more sustainable solutions for governance and security in the region.

Citizens of Gabon massively honour the military after the coup - in the morning the army seized power in the country.

The exact location of President Ali Bongo Ondimba is unknown. According to some reports, he fled to Morocco. pic.twitter.com/WykFnMkGwH

— Dagny Taggart (@DagnyTaggart963) August 30, 2023