US Official Says Gabon's Return to Civilian Rule Is Vital
Voice of AmericaOct 20, 2023
Gabon's military rulers, who ousted Pres. Ali Bongo Ondimba in August after a disputed election, announced on Monday plans to hold elections in August 2025, based on a timetable that initially calls for a national dialogue next year.
Presidential and parliamentary elections will be conducted as part of an "indicative" transition to a civilian government that must be approved in April 2024 at a national conference involving all the country’s "vital actors," a spokesman for the military government said live on state TV.
Monday's announcement of a roadmap to return to constitutional order in Gabon is good news. The US welcomes that Nguema appears to be honoring his commitment to restore civilian rule. If Libreville makes further progress toward democracy, the suspension of aid might be reconsidered. However, in addition to democratic elections, the military leaders must also address the country's economic and social woes. Washington will follow the process closely and continue to stand in solidarity with the Gabonese people in their struggle for democracy.
While the so-called "international community" demands elections in Gabon, it often ignores the origins of military coups in Africa. Ali Bongo's rule was by no means democratic and his overthrow was supported by large parts of the population frustrated by the lack of any democratic dividend. Former colonial powers such as France are also playing a role by supporting dubious elections and incompetent leaders in order to maintain their influence. People want democracy, but most of all, they hope for an improvement in their living conditions.
There's a 1% chance that France will send its military to intervene in the Gabonese coup in 2023, according to the Metaculus prediction community.