Gabon: Opposition leaders prevented from leaving the country

Event

Main political opposition leader and former presidential candidate Jean Ping, as well as other opposition leaders, have reportedly been prevented from leaving the country over the weekend of September 2-3. According to a government spokesperson, this temporary measure is in response to what authorities perceive as an opposition call for “disturbance to the public order." On August 18, Ping called for rebellion and insurrection against the government. In the meantime, the Coalition for the New Republic (CNR), Ping’s political party, announced that a national gathering will take place in Libreville on Monday, September 4.

On August 25, rallies in support of Ping took place in several cities throughout the country, leading to several arrests and security force interventions in Libreville and Port-Gentil.

Context

Widespread unrest followed the August 2016 presidential elections, which saw Ali Bongo re-elected for a second seven-year term by a narrow margin amid allegations of a rigged vote. Ping has since contested the results. Although the security situation has largely stabilized, tensions remain high across the country and are compounded by a poor economic situation.

The country has witnessed an increase in political violence, especially in the capital Libreville. Several homes belonging to members of the political opposition were reportedly attacked in June. Furthermore, opposition politician (and former presidential candidate) Roland Désiré Aba'a Minko was arrested in Libreville in June, several hours after armed supporters stormed local television stations and broadcast a message from Minko issuing an ultimatum for President Ali Bongo Ondimba to step down within 72 hours.

Advice

All those present in Gabon are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, which can flare up with little warning.