Why was Ali Bongo overthrown by Gabon military? Is Ali Bongo a good President?

Embattled Gabonese leader Ali Bongo was overthrown by the military because he had ruled Gabon for 42 years and the electoral commission still declared him winner of the 2023 election.

The military had put Bongo under house arrest, “putting an end to the regime”.

Bongo is being charged for “high treason against the institutions of the State, massive misappropriation of public funds, organized international financial embezzlement, forgery, active corruption and drug trafficking”.

Is Ali Bongo a good President?

Majority regard Bongo as a good president, even though he struggled to make headway with reforms in his regime. Others consider him to be greedy.

About Ali Bongo

Ali Bongo is seved as the third president of Gabon since 2009, following the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for 42 years (1967 – 2009).

Bongo has held many leadership positions within the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), and served in various ministerial positions including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (1989 – 1991), Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Defense (1999 – 2009).

Bongo’s tenure has been marked by both domestic and international challenges.

In 2018, Bongo suffered a stroke while abroad, leading to increased concerns about his health and ability to rule.

In 2023, he contested again for presidency, but was ousted by the military, following the electoral results.