Gabon: ten years after the 2016 post-election crisis, France’s role remains under question
The crisis that followed Ali Bongo’s disputed re-election in 2016 remains marked by an unconfirmed human toll. Complaints concerning France’s role during that period are still under investigation in Paris.
Ten years after Gabon’s 2016 post-election crisis, several unanswered questions remain, notably over the toll of the violence and France’s role.
The crisis erupted following the highly disputed announcement of Ali Bongo’s re-election. On the night of 31 August to 1 September 2016, the headquarters of his opponent Jean Ping came under armed assault.
A week of unrest in Libreville
The episode triggered a week of chaos in the Gabonese capital, Libreville. The period was marked by looting and a crackdown described as fierce.
The true toll of these events is still unknown. The 2016 crisis is described as the most serious post-election crisis in Gabon’s history.
Proceedings still under way in Paris
The question of France’s involvement or role during this period also remains without a definitive answer. In Paris, complaints linked to this episode are still under investigation.
The situation continues to fuel questions over France’s position regarding the events that unfolded in Gabon after the 2016 vote.
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