A dream is broken. One of the most emancipated countries in Africa, an example of stability and prosperity for many neighboring states, falls into the vortex of violence. Spark from the clashes that have caused deaths and injuries is the re-election of Ali Bongo in the presidential elections of 27. The opposition front headed by Jean Ping did not accept the outcome, denouncing fraud. The Parliament of Libreville burned and threatened with bloody consequences in case of refusal of the appeal forwarded to the Constitutional Court.
The Presidential Guard intervened heavily in defense of the re-elected president, son of Omar Bongo, who had held power uninterruptedly from the 1967 to the 2009. A response is expected from the rest of the armed forces, whose senior cadres would be among the highest paid in Africa.
The appeal of Pope Francis to peace puts the spotlight on a reality that for years was considered exceptional throughout the continent. Social stability, economic development, demographic balance and respect for the territory had characterized the small Gabonese republic, whose capital Libreville is still a very important hub of connection for all of continental Africa.
(photo: GP Unité d'Intervention)
