- Gabon to stop receiving Foreign Aid from the US.
- US says they are walking in line with other international partners.
The United States has suspended some foreign aid to Gabon in response to the coup that took place last month. The US State Department said in a statement on Tuesday that the US is “pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Gabon while we evaluate the unconstitutional intervention by members of the country’s military.”
The move is in line with steps taken by the Economic Community of Central African States, the African Union, and other international partners.
The coup took place on August 30, 2023, when army officers seized power and annulled the election that had just been held. The coup leaders said that the election was not credible, but they have given no precise timetable for when new elections will be held.
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The Bongo family has ruled Gabon for over 50 years. The current president, Ali Bongo, has been in power since 2009. His father, Omar Bongo, ruled Gabon from 1967 to 2009.
The Bongo family’s dynastic rule has created widespread discontent in Gabon. Critics say that the Bongos have done little to share Gabon’s wealth with its 2.3 million people.
The African Union has suspended Gabon’s membership following the coup.