The central African nation of Gabon, laden with abundant oil reserves but battling rampant poverty and continuous political turmoil, recently underwent an attempted coup. A band of rebellious soldiers proclaimed seizure of power, putting the country’s President under house arrest. This dramatic turn of events was triggered by accusations of election fraud and corruption leveled against President Ali Bongo Ondimba, reflecting burgeoning dissatisfaction across the nation.
Overview of Gabon: Geography and Demographics
Gabon is a coastal country bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. A former French colony, it still maintains its robust association with France, as evidenced through its continued use of the French language and culture. Gabon’s capital is Libreville, and it shares land borders with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo.
As of 2021, Gabon has a population of 2.3 million, and 88% of its territory is covered with forests. Often referred to as ‘Africa’s last Eden’, Gabon boasts the Loango National Park, one of the most impressive wildlife-watching places in the country.
Urbanization in Gabon
Gabon boasts one of the highest urbanization rates in Africa, with over four out of five Gabonese citizens residing in cities.
Gabon’s Economic Landscape
Gabon ranks as the fourth largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its impressive economic expansion over the past decade is attributed primarily to its oil and manganese production. In 2020 alone, the oil sector was responsible for 38.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 70.5% of exports, despite attempts to diversify the economy.
Gabon is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). However, its oil wealth is unequally distributed, concentrated in the hands of a select few. This inequality is highlighted by an unemployment rate of nearly 40% among Gabonese aged 15 to 24 in 2020, as per data from the World Bank.
Recent Political Unrest in Africa
The African continent has witnessed a series of political upheavals in recent years. Key among these are the 2023 coup attempt in Niger, crises in Sudan in 2021 and 2023, a coup in Burkina Faso in 2022, and military coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021. These political incidents have contributed to a climate of volatility and uncertainty in the respective regions, further straining their socio-economic fabric.
The Impact of Political Instability on India
The political turbulence and policy shifts in these African nations could potentially impact India’s interests. With India’s increasing focus on strengthening bilateral relations with African countries for mutual growth, such instability could pose challenges to India’s diplomatic and economic endeavors in the continent.
Socio-Economic Implications of Coups
Coups can have far-reaching effects on the socio-economic fabric of a nation. They often lead to political instability, which in turn can impede economic development, disrupt societal order, and instigate violence and conflict. Additionally, they can exacerbate corruption, undermine democratic institutions, and lead to violation of human rights, further deteriorating living conditions for the citizens.
