Gabon

Essentially one man has dominated Gabon since independence from France in 1960. The recently deceased former president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba (often referred to as OBO) - was one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world (no. 2 after +show all Fidel Castro) - dominated the country's political scene for almost four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Gabon's political opposition remains weak, divided, and financially dependent on the current regime. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon a relatively stable African country. The enormous wealth generated by oil, manganese and timber has been spent on prestige objects and has lined the pockets of a small ultra-rich elite. The majority of Gabonese are just as poor as their Cameroonian neighbours. The total absence of infrastructure beyond Libreville is a testament to the golden years of Gabonese investment in champagne and French country houses rather than roads or hospitals.
The first post-Bongo elections following the death of Omar Bongo brought another Bongo in- his son Ali Ben. -show less