Following a military coup, the Central African state of Gabon has made a rare appearance in the global spotlight. This event marks a significant rupture in the country’s post-colonial history and underscores the delicate geopolitical equilibrium across sub-Saharan Africa. The coup in Gabon holds broader significance beyond its borders, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of a region grappling with a wave of military-led insurrections.

 

Historical Context & Background Information

Since obtaining independence from France in 1960, Gabon’s developmental trajectory has been inextricably tied to its extractive industries, primarily oil and mining. Since then, the country’s political framework has been shaped by the influence of the Bongo family, beginning with Omar Bongo’s ascendancy to the presidency in 1967.