Disir
Platinum Member
- Sep 30, 2011
- 28,003
- 9,607
- 910
Since independence in 1960, Gabon has had only three presidents including a father and son from the Bongo family who between them have held power for more than five decades.
Here are highlights in the history of the small central African country.
INDEPENDENCE
Gabon becomes independent from France in August 1960, with nationalist Leon M'Ba elected president the following year.
He dies in 1967 and is succeeded by his deputy, Albert-Bernard Bongo, installed with the help of France.
Mr Bongo sets up a one-party state, ruling with an iron fist and benefiting from oil exploitation.
He converts to Islam in 1973, changing his name to Omar Bongo.
As the sole candidate, he is elected president in 1973, 1979 and 1986.
MULTI-PARTY
A multi-party system is introduced after social unrest and riots in 1990 but Mr Bongo nonetheless wins the elections in 1993, 1998 and 2005. Poll results are disputed or followed by unrest.
President Bongo dies from illness in June 2009 and, after a controversial election that August, one of his sons, Ali Bongo, is sworn in as president in a ceremony boycotted by the opposition.
Despite an opposition challenge, the constitutional court approves the election results but there is deadly post-poll violence and looting in the western oil hub, Port-Gentil.
Gabon: half a century ruled by Bongo family
So, with a primer, I wonder if the Bongo family has ceased to be useful.
Here are highlights in the history of the small central African country.
INDEPENDENCE
Gabon becomes independent from France in August 1960, with nationalist Leon M'Ba elected president the following year.
He dies in 1967 and is succeeded by his deputy, Albert-Bernard Bongo, installed with the help of France.
Mr Bongo sets up a one-party state, ruling with an iron fist and benefiting from oil exploitation.
He converts to Islam in 1973, changing his name to Omar Bongo.
As the sole candidate, he is elected president in 1973, 1979 and 1986.
MULTI-PARTY
A multi-party system is introduced after social unrest and riots in 1990 but Mr Bongo nonetheless wins the elections in 1993, 1998 and 2005. Poll results are disputed or followed by unrest.
President Bongo dies from illness in June 2009 and, after a controversial election that August, one of his sons, Ali Bongo, is sworn in as president in a ceremony boycotted by the opposition.
Despite an opposition challenge, the constitutional court approves the election results but there is deadly post-poll violence and looting in the western oil hub, Port-Gentil.
Gabon: half a century ruled by Bongo family
So, with a primer, I wonder if the Bongo family has ceased to be useful.
