The United States of America has decided to halt its aid to Gabon after the country recently experienced a coup. The military in the country has overthrown the democratically elected leader through a coup and decided to retain power.
“We are pausing certain foreign assistance programs that benefit the government of Gabon while we evaluate the unconstitutional intervention by members of the country’s military.” the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
According to the US, the halt of aid is in line with the actions that the regional blocs took after the coup. This includes the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States. These two regional blocs suspended the country’s membership in the blocs post the coup.
The State Department further added that the decision to stop aid from Gabon would stand until investigations have been carried out in the country. They are inclined to figure out the facts on the ground that would legitimize or warrant the coup.
Despite halting aid to the country, the US clarified that the operational activities in the country would continue. This includes the diplomatic and consular operations to support the US citizens in the country.
The Gabon Coup
The coup occurred on August 30. The Gabonese military overthrew the sitting President, Ali Bongo after he was declared the winner of the election.
The Bongo family according to the Gabon citizens has been ruling them for more than 56 years. Ali Bongo took over power in 2009 from his father who became president in 1967.
Subscribe to Switch TV
After the coup in Gabon, citizens were seen flooding the streets in celebration. The majority were not for the idea of Ali Bongo continuing his rule in the country and were therefore pleased after the military took over power.
The Junta in Gabon has promised to ensure free and fair elections are held in the country. They, however, have not set out a timetable for when they would organise for these elections.
The coup in Gabon follows a trend that has been growing in West African Countries. Many question whether the US is justified to halt aid from the country when the coup is in the direct interest of the country’s citizens interest.
Furthermore, the son of the ousted leader was recently charged with corruption. The junta in the country released videos declaring the son as corrupt and later took him to court for the same.
Read Also: Gabon Coup: Son of Ousted Leader Charged With Corruption
