|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Gabon’s Coup Leader Seeking to End Sanctions with Congolese President
Gabon’s coup leader, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, met with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Sunday 1 October, 2023 in an effort to end sanctions imposed on the country after the August 30 coup.
Nguema’s visit is part of a broader effort to legitimize his rule and end Gabon’s isolation on the world stage. The coup led to Gabon’s suspension from the African Union and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), a regional bloc. CEMAC also moved its headquarters from Gabon to Equatorial Guinea.
Nguema is facing pressure from both within and outside Gabon to restore the country’s international standing. Domestically, there is growing discontent with the coup and the subsequent economic downturn. Internationally, the coup has been condemned by the United States, the European Union, and other Western powers.
Nguema’s meeting with Nguesso is a significant step, as Congo-Brazzaville is a regional powerhouse and a close ally of Gabon. Nguesso has a close relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been critical of the coup. If Nguema is able to secure Nguesso’s support, it could be a major boost to his efforts to end the sanctions.
However, it is important to note that Nguema has not yet taken any concrete steps to address the concerns of the international community. He has not released any political prisoners or restored the rule of law. It is therefore possible that the sanctions will remain in place until Nguema shows a greater willingness to compromise.
In the meantime, Nguema’s visit to Congo-Brazzaville is a sign that he is facing pressure to resolve the crisis in Gabon. The sanctions are having a significant impact on the country’s economy, and Nguema knows that he cannot sustain his rule indefinitely if he remains isolated from the international community.
Niger Junta Expels Top UN Official
Niger’s junta has ordered the top United Nations official in the country to leave within 72 hours, accusing the UN of using “underhanded maneuvers” to prevent Niger from fully participating in recent UN meetings.
The junta, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July, has accused the UN of being instigated by France to exclude Niger from the annual UN gathering of world leaders in New York last month, as well as from subsequent meetings of UN agencies in Vienna and Riyadh.
The junta’s decision to expel the UN official comes amid heightened tensions between the military regime and the international community. The junta has been criticized for its human rights record and its suspension of the constitution.
Niger Cuts Budget by 40% After Coup, Sanctions
Niger’s military junta has cut its 2023 budget by 40%, from $5.3 billion to $3.2 billion, due to the impact of #sanctions and suspension of aid after the 26 July coup. The West African country depended on over 40% of this year’s #budget on aid from external partners.
The coup, which ousted President Mohamed #Bazoum, attracted regional and international #sanctions, including border closures, frozen assets, and halted aid supplies.
The budget cuts are likely to worsen the economic situation in #Niger, which is one of the world’s poorest countries.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.