Gabon political violence

In the West African nation of Gabon, after an extremely close presidential election that favored sitting president Ali Bongo, forces loyal to the president raided the headquarters of opposition candidate Jean Ping on Sept. 1, killing at least five people. President Bongo said that the purpose of the raid was to arrest vandals who were involved in setting fire to the parliament building the night before.

The results of the election were disputed, in particular the tally in President Bongo’s home district of Haut-Ogooué. In the capital city, Libreville, protesters took to the streets after the results of the election were announced. Gunfire was reported, and more than 1,000 people were arrested, but, as of press time, there were no reports of injuries or deaths.

Ali Bongo has been president of Gabon since 2009, having taken over for his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled the country since 1967. President Bongo’s margin of victory in the latest election was 49.8% to Ping’s 48.2%.