Protests across country met with violence after Bongo regime still to hold power after half century

Supporters of Gabon’s opposition leader Jean Ping have clashed with security forces in the capital Libreville, after incumbent President Ali Bongo was named the winner of a closely fought presidential election. Moments after Wednesday’s announcement, anti-government protesters shouting “Ali must go!” tried to storm the offices of the election commission, according to AFP news agency. Security…

UN chief urges restraint in calls to Gabon candidates

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday spoke by phone with Gabon’s presidential candidates and urged them to ask their supporters to show restraint while waiting for the election results. Mr Ban spoke to incumbent Ali Bongo and challenger Jean Ping, both of whom have already claimed victory and accused each other of cheating following the vote…

Who is Jean Ping, Gabon’s Presidential Challenger?

In a western corner of Central Africa, a political dynasty that has lasted for almost half a century may have come crumbling down over the weekend. The man responsible is the main opposition candidate in Gabon, Jean Ping. The 73-year-old politician, the son of a Chinese businessman father and Gabonese mother, claims to have been victorious…