Controversy over health of Gabon’s Bongo will persist

Subject

The Gabonese president's health.

Significance

Renewed speculation is swirling over the health of President Ali Bongo, after reports last week that he had sought medical treatment in London. While the presidency insists Bongo merely underwent routine medical checks during a family holiday, the president has made only a handful of public appearances since suffering a stroke in October 2018. In recent months, Gabonese authorities have successfully stifled opposition attempts to subject Bongo to an independent medical assessment to determine his fitness to rule.

Impacts

• Frequent reshuffles reflect government insecurity and ongoing power battles within Bongo’s inner circle.
• A new IMF-backed hydrocarbons code should help boost oil sector prospects if a delayed oil licensing round finally closes early next year.
• Changes in the security apparatus in July have prompted speculation that potential internal turmoil or an emergency was a factor.
• Contested austerity measures by the government and recent corruption scandals increase the prospects of social unrest.