The world's attention has turned to Gabon, a Central African country, following a military takeover that has shaken the nation after recent elections.
The army officers responsible for the coup announced their intervention on Wednesday, citing their intention to nullify the results of the
presidential election that declared President Ali Bongo the winner.
Here are 5 key facts about Gabon and the events surrounding the coup:
Who is Gabon's President? The Bongos: A Dynastic Rule
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Gabon President, Ali Bongo | Credit: PremiumTimes | Source: Google[/caption]
The Central African country has been under the rule of a single family for over five decades since gaining independence from France in 1960.
President Ali Bongo, aged 64, took office in 2009 after succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who held power for nearly 42 years until his death.
Omar Bongo was one of the world's wealthiest leaders, amassing his fortune from Gabon's substantial oil resources.
Ali Bongo's political journey has been marked by controversies and periods of health-related challenges, including a stroke in 2018 that fueled debates about his fitness to govern.
2. Gabon is an Oil-Rich Economy
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Gabon is an Oil-Rich Economy | Credit: Energy Capital & Power[/caption]
Considered one of Africa's wealthiest nations in terms of per-capita GDP, largely due to its significant oil revenues and a relatively small population of around 2.3 million people.
The country's oil reserves, discovered offshore in the 1970s, have contributed to the development of a robust middle class and have propelled
Gabon into economic prominence in the region.
However, despite the oil wealth, approximately one-third of Gabon's population lives below the World Bank's poverty line of $5.50 per day.
3. Environmental Paradise: Gabon is 'Africa's Eden'
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Garbon as Africa's Garden of Eden | Credit: Quora | Source: Google[/caption]
Known as "Africa's Eden," the
Central African country boasts vast expanses of forests covering 88 per cent of its territory, providing a haven for a diverse array of wildlife including gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees.
The country has made significant efforts to promote conservation by establishing a network of national parks, covering 11 per cent of its land area.
Gabon's commitment to preserving its natural treasures has made it a leading advocate for wildlife conservation in a region plagued by environmental challenges.
4. Ibogaine and Healing: A Leaf that Cures Addiction
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Iboga Leaf | Credit: Psychedelic Times | Source: Google[/caption]
The Central Africa country is home to the iboga plant, which contains a psychoactive compound called ibogaine. This plant has long played a role in the Gabonese culture through an ancestral ritual known as "bwiti."
The drug derived from ibogaine has garnered attention for its potential to treat addiction to substances like heroin and cocaine.
While it has hallucinogenic properties and has been associated with rituals, the drug's pill form, ibogaine, has been studied for its role in helping addicts overcome addiction. Treatment centres using ibogaine have emerged in various countries.
5. Sports and International Recognition: Aubameyang
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Credit: ESN Sport | Source: Google[/caption]
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese international football star, has garnered global recognition for his talents.
A former Chelsea forward, Aubameyang excelled during his tenure with Germany's Borussia Dortmund and later moved to Arsenal, where he became a top goal-scorer in the Premier League.
However, disciplinary issues led to his contract termination, leading him to join teams such as Barcelona, Chelsea, and Olympique de Marseille.
As the coup unfolds and uncertainty looms over Gabon's political landscape, the nation's rich history, environmental commitment, and prominent figures continue to shape its international profile.
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