US declares toppling of Gabon’s Ali Bongo a coup

For the second time this month, the US Joe Biden administration has officially designated a military takeover in Africa as a “coup”, putting Gabon on notice that it needs to get on a path to civilian democratic rule before millions of dollars in aid is restored.

The determination comes 54 days after General Brice Oligui Nguema overthrew the five-decade-long Bongo dynasty on 30 August following sham elections won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Earlier this month, the Biden…