Watching, waiting

How will Bongo’s fall affect Biya, Obiang and Sassou?

By Mathieu Olivier

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Posted on September 4, 2023 13:19

FILE PHOTO: Gabonese military appear on television as they announce that they have seized power following President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s re-election, in this screengrab obtained by Reuters.

While most of Gabon’s neighbouring leaders have not officially commented on the coup d’état, they are keeping a close eye on developments.

In Congo-Brazzaville, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, longevity at the highest level of government is the norm. Their leaders are often described as a ‘presidential club’, linked by long years in power on either side of their respective borders.

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