Gabon is a country located on the west coast of Central Africa, bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo on the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west.
Gabon has an area of nearly 270,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi) and its population is estimated at 2.3 million people.
Forests cover 88% of its territory.
Gabon is one of the richest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with high levels of GDP per capita (PPP) and a strong Human Development Index (HDI).
The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, mining and wood.
The government has launched a program called Gabon Emergent to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on petroleum.
Gabon is a former French colony and retains strong ties to France and French culture.
Most Gabonese speak Bantu languages, which are classified into 10 linguistic groups; French is widely spoken and taught in schools.
Gabon is a republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
The country has struggled with political instability and allegations of corruption in the past.
Gabon is a leader in net zero emission initiatives and is working to reduce emissions and preserve its vast rainforest.
The country’s tropical rainforest plays a vital role in the region and beyond, absorbing carbon equivalent to more than three times the UK’s annual emissions.
Where is Gabon in Africa?
Gabon is a country located on the west coast of Africa, astride the Equator.
It is bordered by Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The capital of Gabon is Libreville.
Coup in Gabon
The coup in Gabon occurred shortly after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared the winner of a disputed election.
The coup attempt took place following an election that was criticized by international observers.
The election results gave President Ali Bongo Ondimba a third term in office, but activists claimed that the election was rigged to maintain the ruling family’s power.
Mutinous soldiers in Gabon announced on television that they were taking control of the country, canceling the election results.
They claimed that President Ali Bongo Ondimba was no longer fit for office after suffering a stroke in October.
The soldiers went on state radio and broadcasted their message, declaring their intent to end the 50-year rule of President Ali Bongo’s family.
The Gabonese government swiftly responded to the coup attempt. Government spokesman Guy-Bertrand Mapangou announced that two suspected plotters were killed and seven others were captured just hours after they took over state radio.
The government’s quick action prevented the coup from succeeding.
The coup attempt in Gabon reflects broader socio-economic and political frustration with the country’s leadership.
Gabon has experienced a sharp drop in oil output and prices, leading to squeezed revenues, increased debt, and discontent among the population.
Economic growth has also declined in recent years, contributing to the dissatisfaction with the government.
The international community condemned the coup attempt in Gabon.
The situation in Gabon remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
