Gabon, officially known as the Gabonese Republic, is a country situated along the western coast of Central Africa.
It shares borders with Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west.
Spanning an area of approximately 270,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi), Gabon is home to an estimated population of 2.3 million people.
Geographically, Gabon boasts diverse landscapes, including coastal plains, mountain ranges such as the Cristal Mountains and the Chaillu Massif in the central region, and an eastern savanna.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Gabon has had three presidents. In the 1990s, the country embarked on political reforms, establishing a multi-party system and adopting a democratic constitution that aimed to enhance transparency in elections and reform various government institutions.
However, the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) continues to hold significant influence as the dominant political party.
Gabon’s economy thrives on petroleum resources and foreign investment. The country ranks fourth in the region for its Human Development Index (HDI), following Mauritius, Seychelles, and South Africa, and holds the fifth highest GDP per capita (PPP) in all of Africa, after Seychelles, Mauritius, Equatorial Guinea, and Botswana.
Notably, Gabon experienced robust economic growth, with a GDP increase of over 6% per year between 2010 and 2012.
French is the official language of Gabon. The majority of the population belongs to Bantu ethnic groups, comprising approximately 95% of the country’s inhabitants.
Christianity is the most widely practiced religion, embraced by around 75% of the Gabonese population.
History of Gabon
Gabon, officially known as the Gabonese Republic, is a country situated on the west coast of Central Africa.
It shares borders with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Gulf of Guinea.
The country spans an area of approximately 270,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi) and has a population estimated at 2.3 million people.
Historically, the Pygmy peoples in the region were gradually assimilated by migrating Bantu tribes. In the 18th century, the Kingdom of Orungu, a Myeni-speaking kingdom known for its trading activities and involvement in the slave trade, emerged.
However, with the decline of the slave trade in the 1870s, the kingdom fell. In 1875, explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza embarked on a mission to the Gabon-Congo area, leading to the founding of the town of Franceville and his appointment as a colonial governor.
French occupation of the region was officially established in 1885, with the presence of existing Bantu groups.
Gabon became a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910, remaining part of the federation until 1958.
During World War II, the Allies intervened in Gabon to remove the pro-Vichy France colonial administration.
On November 28, 1958, Gabon became an autonomous republic within the French Community and gained full independence on August 17, 1960.
Léon M’ba became the first president of Gabon in 1961, with Omar Bongo Ondimba serving as his vice president.
M’ba assumed extensive powers, suppressing the press, curtailing freedom of expression, and excluding other political parties from power.
In 1964, an attempted coup by the army sought to restore parliamentary democracy, but French paratroopers intervened and reinstated M’ba.
Following M’ba’s death in 1967, Bongo succeeded him as president. In 1968, Bongo declared Gabon a one-party state, dissolving the previous party and establishing the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG).
Bongo aimed to create a unified national movement to support the government’s development policies and mitigate regional and tribal divisions. He was re-elected multiple times during his presidency.
In 1990, economic discontent and a desire for political liberalization led to demonstrations and strikes.
Negotiations between Bongo and workers resulted in wage concessions and promises of political reforms.
A national political conference was held, leading to the adoption of political reforms, including the creation of a national Senate, decentralization of the budgetary process, and freedom of assembly and press.
Opposition to the PDG persisted, and in 1993, after President Bongo’s re-election, opposition candidates disputed the results.
Civil unrest followed, leading to an agreement between the government and opposition factions. The Paris Accords of 1994 included the inclusion of opposition figures in a government of national unity, but the arrangement eventually broke down.
President Omar Bongo was re-elected in 1998 and 2005. The elections faced criticism for irregularities, but Bongo’s opponents were divided, allowing him to maintain power. Legislative elections in 2001-2002 resulted in a National Assembly dominated by the PDG.
After President Omar Bongo’s death in 2009, his son Ali Bongo Ondimba succeeded him following contested elections.
The election sparked protests and allegations of fraud. Gabon experienced an attempted coup d’état in 2019, which was unsuccessful.
In June 2022, Gabon, along with Togo, joined the Commonwealth of Nations.
Ethnic group
Gabon is home to a diverse population comprising over 40 ethnic groups. Some of the prominent ethnic groups include the Fang, Myènè, Punu-Échira, Nzebi-Adouma, Teke-Mbete, Mèmbè, Kota, and Akélé.
Additionally, there are indigenous Pygmy peoples, namely the Bongo and Baka, who have a unique cultural and linguistic heritage.
Among the population, there are also more than 10,000 native French residents, including approximately 2,000 individuals who hold dual citizenship.
Politics
Gabon has a presidential republic form of government, which is defined by the 1961 constitution (revised in 1975, rewritten in 1991, and revised in 2003).
The president is elected through universal suffrage and serves a 7-year term. A constitutional amendment in 2003 removed presidential term limits.
The president holds significant powers such as appointing and dismissing the prime minister, cabinet members, and judges of the independent Supreme Court.
Additional presidential powers include the ability to dissolve the National Assembly, declare a state of siege, delay legislation, and conduct referendums.
Gabon’s legislative branch consists of a bicameral legislature comprising the National Assembly and the Senate.
The National Assembly is made up of 120 deputies who are elected by the people for a 5-year term. The Senate consists of 102 members elected by municipal councils and regional assemblies, serving for 6 years.
The Senate was established during the constitutional revision of 1990-1991 but was not operational until after the 1997 local elections. The President of the Senate is next in line for succession after the president.
In 1990, Gabon implemented changes to its political system, including the drafting of a transitional constitution and the legalization of opposition parties.
The constitution, which incorporated a Western-style bill of rights, an independent judiciary, and the creation of a National Council of Democracy, was unanimously adopted in March 1991.
Following President Omar Bongo’s disputed re-election in 1993, the Paris Conference and Accords were initiated in 1994 to address social and political tensions.
Constitutional amendments were subsequently made, establishing the Senate, introducing the position of vice president, and extending the president’s term to 7 years.
In 2009, President Ali Bongo Ondimba initiated government reforms aimed at reducing corruption and streamlining the administration.
The “Gabon Emergent” program, launched in November 2009, focused on diversifying the economy, combating corruption, and modernizing the workforce through the pillars of Green Gabon, Service Gabon, and Industrial Gabon.
The program implemented various measures, including the ban on raw timber exports, a national census, changes to the workday structure, and the establishment of a national oil company.
In January 2011, opposition leader André Mba Obame claimed the presidency, leading to political tensions and accusations of treason.
Also read: The difference between Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo
However, the international community recognized Ali Bongo Ondimba as the legitimate president. The 2016 presidential election was marred by disputes and allegations of irregularities.
Protests erupted, resulting in a violent crackdown by security forces. International observers criticized the electoral process, and the European Parliament called for investigations into human rights violations.
Some Interesting Facts About Gabon
- Gabon, the 76th largest country in the world.
2. Situated in Central Africa, Gabon shares land borders with three neighboring countries. The Republic of the Congo lies to the east and south, while Equatorial Guinea borders the northwest and Cameroon to the north.
3. With a coastline stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, Gabon boasts picturesque blue waters and pristine sandy beaches, making it a hidden gem in the African continent.
4. The historical connection between Gabon and Portugal dates back to 1472 when Portuguese explorers arrived and established trading posts near the mouth of the Ogooué River.
5. The name “Gabon” itself originates from Portuguese influence. The Río de Como estuary’s shape reminded the Portuguese of a “gabao,” which means a Portuguese hooded cloak.
6. Gabon has a colonial past as a former French territory. In 1885, the Berlin Conference recognized French rights over the right bank of the Congo River, leading to Gabon’s formal inclusion as part of French Congo in 1890.
7. The country’s lush landscapes are dominated by dense forests, covering approximately 80-85% of its land area. Gabon is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is considered one of the most heavily forested countries globally.
8. The capital and largest city of Gabon is Libreville, located at the mouth of the Komo River on the country’s northwest coast. Founded in 1849 by freed slaves from a captured Brazilian slave ship, Libreville derives its name from the French term for “free town.”
9. The Gabonese economy heavily relies on oil, with the country being the fourth-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Oil accounts for 50% of Gabon’s GDP and 80% of its exports. Additionally, Gabon possesses reserves of timber, manganese, iron ore, gold, and diamonds, contributing to its relatively high per capita GDP.
10. Gabon is a multicultural nation, comprising over 40 distinct ethnic groups. The largest ethnic groups include the Fang, Punu-Échira, and Nzebi-Adouma, while Pygmies, the original forest-dwelling tribes, reside in the remote north of the country.
11. Notably, the renowned humanitarian Albert Schweitzer won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his humanitarian work in Gabon. Schweitzer founded the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in 1924 in the town of Lambaréné, where leprosy treatment continues to this day.
12. Gabonese cuisine features Poulet Nyembwe as the national dish, a tantalizing stew made with chicken, tomatoes, garlic, onions, chili pepper, okra, and palm butter.
13. In terms of governance, Gabon has been under the rule of the Bongo family since 1967. Omar Bongo Ondimba, succeeded by his son Ali Bongo Ondimba, led the country for over 50 years. However, allegations of corruption and curtailed dissent have marred the regime’s tenure.
14. Gabon cherishes its only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lopé-Okanda ecosystem and relict cultural landscape, which showcases the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
15. Gabon is a captivating country that blends its natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and rich history. From its stunning coastline to its thriving forests, Gabon offers a unique experience for those seeking exploration and discovery in the heart of Africa.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabon#Politics
