How long have the Bongo family ruled Gabon?

The Bongo family has ruled Gabon for several decades. Omar Bongo Ondimba, the father of Ali Bongo Ondimba, was the longest-serving president of Gabon.

Omar Bongo came to power on December 2, 1967, following a bloodless coup that ousted then-President Léon M’ba. Bongo was initially appointed as Vice President and later became President upon M’ba’s death.

He served as President of Gabon until his passing on June 8, 2009. Omar Bongo’s presidency lasted for over 41 years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world at the time.

His rule was characterized by his ability to maintain political stability and secure foreign aid due to Gabon’s oil reserves.

After Omar Bongo’s death, his son Ali Bongo Ondimba assumed the presidency. Ali Bongo was elected as President in 2009 in a contested election, succeeding his father. He was reelected in 2016 in an election that faced allegations of irregularities and sparked controversy.

The Bongo family’s continued presence in Gabon’s political scene has been met with opposition and criticism from various segments of society. There have been protests and allegations of electoral misconduct in elections during Ali Bongo’s presidency.