As the United States panics about supposed Russian influence and interference in the 5 November presidential election, it has no qualms about financing and overseeing elections in the central African country of Gabon.
After a 1 October meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Gabonese Transition President Brice Oligui Nguema, USAID announced a $5 million grant to support Gabon’s transition process and it will ‘provide technical assistance to strengthen election administration and voter education.’ Sounds like foreign interference in African countries does not set off alarm bells when the US is involved.
Gabonese took to the streets cheering when, on 30 August 2023, Brice Oligui Nguema seized power in a military coup d’état ousting staunch French ally Ali Bongo. However, the Western press reported favourably on Nguema’s power grab. It turns out he is Ali Bongo’s cousin. Some believe this coup keeps Gabon in the hands of the Bongo family dynasty. The United States, however, says Gabon has a bright future and has promised to collaborate with the country in the areas of economic and social development, maritime and border security, and environmental conservation and security cooperation.
Let us know what you think.
Sources:
https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinkens-meeting-with-gabonese-transition-president-oligui/
https://www.africanews.com/2023/09/01/gabons-opposition-leader-claims-coup-is-a-family-affair/
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VLb6yp51-GDivVPS0cBMU-gOQid1EEAN?usp=sharing