Omar Bongo died in power in 2009 after 42 years of corrupt rule. His son, Ali, took over. Now impaired, Ali has appointed his son to rule Gabon de facto.
Ngah Gabriel articles
Author Ngah Gabriel writes for Democracy Chronicles from the Republic of Cameroon. Ngah obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Management (option Business Administration) from the University of Yaounde II-Soa, Cameroon in 2012. In 2015, he obtained a Master's degree in Political Science and International Relations (option MDynamics, Management and Security of Cross-Border Areas) from the same university.
Ngah joined Good Governance Counsel (GGC) in 2013 as a Research Assistant working under the supervision of Dr. James Kewir and was involved in research on conflict prevention, regional integration, cross-border trade and public service management.
The highlight of his passage at GGC was a presentation of a Conference Paper on the Causes of Electoral Conflicts in Africa, presented before an international audience of experts at the University of Buea, Cameroon. Work on that paper spurred in him the desire to focus his attention on the paradox of elections as a mode of democratic transition and conflict in Africa.
His research in this area has led him to take interest in understanding factors influencing non-compliance with elections which according to him appear to be central to the study of conflicts in Central Africa and beyond.
Ngah is currently a Doctoral Degree student in the field of politics. His research is on "Violence as Politics by Other Means in the Central African Republic, 1991-2017".
Whistleblower Ukraine complaint: has Trump captured the American State?
Against the backdrop of Russian interference in 2016 election, a whistleblower’s complaint over Trump call to Ukraine leader brings State capture to mind.
Robert Mugabe dies a Hero, Liberator or did he pass on a Foe, Oppressor?
As compared to decried white minority rule Mugabe was an economic disaster. He died more a foe to Zimbabwean people, an oppressor, than a hero or liberator.
Zimbabwe Police Conspiracy Theory Around Planned Protests
The latest in line in Zimbabwe’s pursuit of State repression of protest is Zimbabwe Police claims planned protests are a conspiracy to topple Mnangagwa.
Clientelism and Political Violence In Africa: Urgency Of Term Limits
Beyond surface level dictatorship and repression, clientelism is a major reason why African States are unstable. Term limits are an urgency in this context.
Tulsi Gabbard: Equality and America’s Search for a Female President
Tulsi Gabbard’s run for Presidency is inscribed in America’s search for a female president underpinned by openness to gender equality.
Democracy in Africa: Towards a League of Free African States (LOFAS)
Renewed aspirations for democracy in Africa could more effectively be promoted by a joint leadership of free African States than by external conditionality. Africa’s salvation must come from within Africa.
Authoritarian-Overstretch Led to the Recent Gabon Coup Attempt
The coup attempt in Gabon was the result of authoritarian-overstretch as frustrations increase against the Bongo dynasty and the coup failed due to lack of widespread support.
A Damning Report Sounds an Alarm on Political Violence in Burundi
When all is said and done, a concerted effort by the African Union can have some real impact. Cooperation towards international isolation, the freezing of assets, travel bans and embargos may be the only way forward.
Cambodia: How Long Hun Sen Been In Power
33 years. That is how long Hun Sen been in power. Longevity in power is not unique to Africa. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen’s longevity in power, enforced dictatorially, is a case in point.