Gabon's Military Coup and the International Community's Response

Following the election of Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimb to a third term, the Gabonese military has seized power and placed the President under house arrest. This coup follows a string of recent military takeovers across Western Africa; however, this coup has a few key differences that separate it from recent takeovers.

In recent West African coups, militaries have claimed that a takeover was necessary to protect their nation against Jihadist threats and separate themselves from France. In Gabon, however, the military has seized power purportedly to oust the dynasty-like rule of the Bongo family that started in 1967. Since the rule of Omar Bongo in 1967, the Bongo family has taken part in anti-democratic practices such as changing election rules closely before an election and engaging in press censorship. As a result of these activities, the Gabonese military has gained popular support across most of the country, increasing the likelihood of their remaining in power

Despite the support of most Gabonese people for the military, the international community has called for the return of Ali Bongo Ondimba. This response is likely due to the nationalization of resources that would occur if the military remains in power. Many countries and organizations, including the Economic Community of Central African States, China, and France, Gabon's former colonial power, have investments in Gabon that would be put in jeopardy under military rule. 

A more positive reason for supporting the return of Ali Bongo Ondimba lies in the theory of democratic peace. According to this theory, peace is less likely when states do not have democratic governments. Accordingly, the international community may be worried that the rise of military states in West Africa will lead to conflict, which is why they support the return of Ali Bongo Ondimba.

Whether the military remains in control of Gabon or democratic rule returns, it remains certain that the outcome will have a significant impact on the international community. And if democratic rule does return, perhaps it should be led by someone not associated with the Bongo family. 

By: Frank Kwak

Article Link: https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/08/what-know-about-gabons-coup