Army officers have announced they have taken over power in Gabon by annulling the Saturday’s election results, which declared President Ali Bongo winner. The soldiers said they have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the regime in power. Five reasons why the military is taking power are:

THE BONGOS

The Bongos have ruled Gabon for more than 55 years of 63 years since independence from France in 1960. The ousted President who is 64 years old was seeking a third term in office after taking over from his father Omar Bongo who died in 2009 after ruling for 42years when he took office in 1968. He was reputed to be a kleptocrat. He was one of the richest man in the world having derived his wealth from Gabon’s oil wealth. His son Ali grew up the carefree scion of a wealthy ruling family and was once known by his initials ABO, Ali B, or less flattering Monsieur Fils (Mr. Son). Bongo senior suffered stroke that sidelined him for 10 months where he was claimed to be unfit to rule and fueled a minor attempted coup.

OIL POWERHOUSE

Gabon is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of per-capita GDP due to oil revenues and small population of 2.3m. Oil accounts for 60% revenue but a third of the population live below the poverty line of $5.50 per day.

AFRICA’S EDEN

Forests cover 88% of the surface of Gabon providing haven for wild animals. Gabon prides itself as the “last Eden” and is a major advocate for conservation of wildlife especially of critically endangered African forest elephants, which has fallen to 86% globally in 30 years yet, doubled in Gabon. In 2002, Gabon set up 13 national parks covering 11% of the country.

HEALER OR HALLUCINOGENIC

There is a powerful psychoactive root found in Gabon forests that is used to make drug that is touted as potential healer of cocaine and heroin addiction. The pill from the drug Ibogaine has been hailed for helping some addicts kick their habits where treatment centres have sprung up in Costa Rica, New Zealand and Netherlands.

STAR STRIKER

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a former Chelsea forward is from Gabon. He was one of the best strikers in the world in his heydays.

source: punch