By Oyintari Ben
Ali Bongo, the President of Gabon, said on Sunday that he would seek re-election in August in an effort to continue his family’s 56-year rule over the Central African nation.
“I am declaring today that I am a candidate, Bongo told a small group of applauding fans, because nothing matters more than your success.”
Election day is set for August 26.
Since taking over from his father Omar, who had ruled the oil-producing country since 1967 and had passed away in 2009, Bongo, 64, has served two seven-year terms as president. There are no term restrictions under Gabon’s constitution.
The opposition contested Bongo’s victories in both elections, alleging fraud. Following his triumph in 2016, there were deadly skirmishes between police and protesters, and the parliament building was destroyed by fire.
When Bongo experienced a stroke in October 2018 and was transported to Morocco for treatment, his chances of winning re-election were put in jeopardy. He left for three months but soon came back when a coup attempt was defeated while he was away.
