US Concludes Military Coup in Gabon, Suspends Assistance
US State Department Confirms Military Coup in Gabon
The United States has determined that a military coup has taken place in Gabon, according to the US State Department. As a result, the US government has decided to suspend most of its assistance to Gabon’s government. This decision comes after Gabonese army officers seized power on August 30, annulling the election results that declared President Ali Bongo the winner, citing lack of credibility. President Bongo, who has been in power since 2009, succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the country for 42 years.
US Suspends Assistance to Gabonese Government
Following the announcement of a military coup in Gabon, the United States paused some foreign assistance programs benefiting the Gabonese government. Now, the US State Department has gone a step further by suspending most of its assistance to the Gabonese government. However, humanitarian, health, and education assistance will continue.
Junta in Gabon Promises Free and Fair Elections
The junta in Gabon, which took control after the coup, has promised to oversee free and fair elections. However, they have not provided a specific timetable for organizing these elections. Junta-appointed Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima suggested a 24-month transition period before the elections, stating that it would be a reasonable timeframe after the coup. The Bongo family’s dynastic rule in Gabon has faced widespread discontent, with critics claiming that they have not adequately shared the country’s wealth with its 2.3 million people.
African Union Suspends Gabon’s Membership
In response to the coup, the African Union has suspended Gabon’s membership. This further isolates the country from the international community. The situation in Gabon remains uncertain, with the future political landscape yet to be determined.
Conclusion
The United States has officially recognized the military coup in Gabon and taken action by suspending most of its assistance to the Gabonese government. The junta, which seized power, has made promises of free and fair elections, but the timeline for these elections remains uncertain. The African Union’s decision to suspend Gabon’s membership adds to the country’s growing isolation. The situation in Gabon continues to evolve, and its impact on the country and its people is yet to be fully understood.
