Gabon opposition warns Bongo not to use force ahead of elections

Campaigning for the August 27 elections in Gabon has reached fever pitch with the political climate becoming more tense.

The opposition is still contesting the nationality of president Ali Bongo Ondimba whom they insist is not Gabonese.

But the president has been using his campaign to remind the electorate about the peaceful atmosphere that continues to prevail under his rule.

“We are lucky to be in a peaceful country which does not know violence nor terrorism,” Ali Bongo Ondimba said.

The reminder appears to be a caution from the president to the opposition to set aside any plans they may have to disturb the peace.

“He should be careful because he will tarnish his personality if he attempts to use force,” opposition candidate, Guy Nzoumba Ndama said.

From every indication the ruling party and the opposition are at loggerheads and analysts say measures need to be taken to calm tempers.

“We seem to be moving towards a sort of confrontation between
the authorities and those who think they can use state resources anyhow,“political analyst, Modeste Abagha Asseko said.

Gabon is one of Africa’s richest countries with most of its wealth concentrated among the elite.