09 Aug 2018 | 05:56 PM UTC
Gabon: Anti-austerity march in Libreville August 13 /update 1
Anti-austerity march planned in Libreville August 13; heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
Gabon's largest trade union, Unitary Dynamics, has organized a march to take place in Libreville on Monday, August 13, to protest austerity measures proposed by the government in late June. Demonstrators will gather at 08:00 (local time) at Democracy Roundabout and march along Boulevard Triomphal. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected near the demonstration site.
Context
On June 21, the government announced plans for additional austerity measures, including cuts to civil servant salaries, prompting public outcry. Numerous protests and strikes have taken place in Gabon in recent months in response to socioeconomic conditions and the unpopular government austerity policies.
The Gabonese economy has suffered from the fall in global oil prices, upon which most of the country's revenues depend. Port-Gentil, the economic capital where oil activities are concentrated, has been especially hard-hit.
Advice
Individuals in Libreville are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of potential violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
