The coup in Gabon, supported by citizens due to corruption, seeks to reduce the country’s high poverty rates. With a significant portion living below the poverty line, the new government aims to foster economic stability and social programs to enhance quality of life. International partnerships are expected to support these reform efforts.
Gabon, located in Central Africa, has been grappling with significant poverty alongside widespread public discontent due to corruption and political instability. The 2023 coup was largely embraced by citizens who feel marginalized, with approximately 35% living on less than $2 a day. High unemployment rates mirror the country’s economic hardships, as the government struggles to address deep-seated inequality.
For 14 years, Gabon’s previous president ruled following the reign of his father, fomenting skepticism regarding election legitimacy. This frustration, exacerbated by poverty, has ignited social unrest. Despite Gabon’s wealth derived from its oil resources—reportedly giving it the second-highest per-capita GDP in mainland sub-Saharan Africa—corruption among elite groups has kept much of the population in dire financial straits.
The military coup in Gabon, sparked by pervasive poverty and public frustration, aims to rectify past governance failures. The new administration has initiated reforms focused on economic diversification and poverty alleviation. Collaborative efforts with international institutions like the World Bank may bolster these initiatives, fostering sustainable growth and reducing poverty rates in Gabon.
Original Source: borgenproject.org
