US Condemns Gabon's Restrictions on Opposition Leaders' Travel

Strategic Insights -

The US State Department has called on Gabon to respect human rights after the country's presidential guards blocked seven opposition leaders, including four former candidates, from boarding a flight to Paris and Washington. The move is seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition politicians, who have accused President Omar Bongo of rigging the December election. US diplomats have expressed concern about the alleged improprieties in the election, which saw Bongo narrowly win with 51.18 percent of the vote.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US State Department has condemned Gabon's restrictions on opposition leaders' travel, citing a violation of the country's constitution.
  • The presidential guards blocked seven opposition leaders, including four former candidates, from boarding an Air France flight to Paris and Washington.
  • The opposition leaders were scheduled to meet with officials in Paris and Washington, including National Security Council aide Jennifer Ward, to discuss alleged election improprieties.
  • President Omar Bongo has ruled Gabon for 27 years and has been accused of rigging the recent election.
  • The election monitors initially endorsed the election, but later noted "administrative confusion" surrounding the balloting.
  • Opposition leaders have petitioned the Gabon's highest court to nullify the elections, citing irregularities in the voting process.

Statistics:

  • 7: The number of opposition leaders blocked from boarding the flight.
  • 4: The number of former candidates blocked from boarding the flight.
  • 51.18: The percentage of the vote won by President Omar Bongo.
  • 20,000: The number of votes exceeding the number of eligible voters in Bongo's home district.
  • 27: The number of years President Omar Bongo has ruled Gabon.

Sources:

  • "US Deplores Gabon's Travel Restrictions," State Department (no date provided)
  • Letter from Congressman Harry Johnston to George Moose, United Press International, January 10th (no year provided)
  • "Gabon's President Wins Narrow Election Victory," Reuters, January 3rd (no year provided)