Chaotic Power Shifts: US Halts Gabon Aid Post Coup

The US State Department announced on Tuesday that it will withhold aid that could potentially help the Gabonese government after the recent coup. However, the United States will maintain ongoing operations in Gabon, including diplomatic and consular assistance for American citizens.

"The government of Gabon will experience a temporary suspension of specific foreign assistance programs as the US government conducts an assessment of the unconstitutional interference conducted by elements within the country's military," stated Blinken.

Gabon's new strongman General Brice Nguema speaks as he is inaugurated as Gabon's interim President, in Libreville on September 4, 2023.

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Gabon's interim presidency has been assumed by a military junta leader in accordance with actions taken by the Economic Community of Central African States, the African Union, and various international partners.

On August 30, the military in Gabon took control of the government, declaring the election invalid after President Ali Bongo's victory was deemed unreliable. Bongo had held the presidency since 2009. The military leadership has pledged to ensure transparent and unbiased elections, but has yet to provide a specific timeline for its arrangement.

According to French news agency AFP, Raymond Ndong Sima, the prime minister appointed by the junta, stated earlier this month that a two-year transition period leading to elections in Gabon would be considered "reasonable." The dynastic rule of the Bongo family, who have held power in this oil-rich African nation, has resulted in widespread dissatisfaction, with critics arguing that they have not adequately distributed the country's wealth among its 2.3 million population.

The African Union suspended Gabons membership following the coup.