Everything You Need To Know About Oil-Rich Gabon And The Bongo Family 53-Year Reign

Everything You Need To Know About Oil-Rich Gabon And The Bongo Family 53-Year Reign....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Written By Oshiobugie Omo-Ikirodah

Here are five key facts about Gabon, where military officers announced on Wednesday that they had taken power following elections that, according to official results, were won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba: CONTINUE READING

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1. The Bongos: Gabon has been under the rule of the same family for over 55 out of its 63 years since gaining independence from France in 1960. Bongo, aged 64, sought a third term in the recently held election. He succeeded his father, Omar, who passed away in 2009 after nearly 42 years in power. Omar Bongo was known for his significant wealth, derived from Gabon’s oil resources.
2. Oil Powerhouse: Gabon is considered one of the wealthiest African countries in terms of per-capita GDP, mainly due to its oil revenues. Discovered in the 1970s, offshore oil reserves allowed the nation to establish a strong middle class and earn the moniker “central Africa’s little emirate.” Oil contributes to about 60 percent of the country’s revenues, yet a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line.
3. Africa’s ‘Eden’: The country’s landscape is dominated by forests, covering 88 percent of its surface. These forests serve as a refuge for diverse wildlife, including gorillas, elephants, panthers, and chimpanzees. Gabon is known as the “last Eden” and has made substantial efforts towards conservation, establishing a network of national parks and advocating for wildlife protection.
4. Healer or Hallucinogenic: Gabon is home to the hallucinogenic iboga root, which has been used in the ancestral ritual “bwiti.” The iboga root has both healing and hallucinogenic properties. It has been explored as a potential treatment for addiction to substances like heroin and cocaine. The drug ibogaine, derived from the iboga root, has been praised for helping some addicts overcome their dependencies.
5. Star Striker: Gabon has produced notable individuals beyond the political sphere. One example is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, an international footballer who gained prominence for his skills as a striker. Having played for clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea, Aubameyang is recognized as one of the top strikers in the world. CONTINUE READING

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Source: Bushradiogist