Gabon: Land and maritime borders closed ahead of October 6 elections /update 2

Event

Gabonese authorities have temporarily closed the country's land and maritime borders ahead of legislative and local elections, which are set to take place on Saturday, October 6. The closure began on October 5 and will last through election day. This is common practice in the country. The authorities have further announced that liquor stores will also be closed nationwide from 20:00 (local time) on October 5 through October 6. An increased security presence can be expected throughout major urban centers and at polling stations on the day of the vote.

Context

A second round of elections will be held on October 27 where necessary. These legislative elections have been delayed multiple times by the Constitutional Court since December 2016, officially due to a lack of resources.

Advice

Travelers in Gabon are advised to keep abreast of the situation, postpone international land and sea travel, and avoid all public gatherings due to the potential for violence.