Stories about Gabon from February, 2011
France: Demonstration in Paris Against Gabon Dictatorship
Around 7,000 people gathered in the streets of French capital Paris to demonstrate against African dictators and the French government's alleged collusion with African dictatorial regimes on Saturday 26 February, 2011. Protestors chanted slogans outside Gabon President Ali Bongo's 140 million Euro mansion.
Gabon: Mourning Unrest's First Casualty, as Bongo Meets Sarkozy
Gabon is mourning its first casualty since the beginning of the country's political unrest. The cause of Marie Memdome's death is still in dispute, as Ali Bongo travels to France to meet with French President Sarkozy. Protesters against Bongo in Paris were dispersed by police forces with tear gas.
Gabon: Leaderless Opposition?
Gabon is entering its third week of political tension, as its two presidents - official and unofficial - both claim leadership. But as developments continue in this small West African nation, critics denounce a lack of leadership in the burgeoning opposition movement.
Gabon: The danger of ignoring Gabon's revolution
Ethan Zuckerman warns of the danger of ignoring Gabon's revolution: “The danger of ignoring Gabon’s revolution isn’t just that opposition forces will be arrested or worse. It’s that we fail...
Gabon: Students Protest, Army Deployed
Gabon's political crisis reached new heights on February 10, as students protested at Omar Bongo University in the capital city, Libreville. Whereas riots last week involved mainly the opposition, the confrontation appears to be developing into a wider social conflict.
Gabon: Protests Stifled as Official and ‘Unofficial’ Governments Face Off
Following protests last week, tensions remain high in the West African nation of Gabon, as further demonstrations are now stifled by the authorities before they can take place. The country's official government has been accused of election fraud by an 'unofficial' opposition government.
Gabon: The Invisible Revolt
Protests in Gabon have failed to make a dent in the international news cycle as all eyes are still turned towards the Egyptian crisis. However, what was considered negligible protests before by Ali Bongo and his partisans seems to have created enough political turmoil to provoke the censorship of a television channel and repression of public protests.
