The Intelligence from The Economist Going, going… Gabon: another African coup
6 snips
Aug 31, 2023 
Guest John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent at The Economist, dives into the alarming rise of military coups across Africa, focusing on Gabon's recent upheaval following election cancellations. He highlights the historical issues tied to the Bongo family and the growing instability in the region. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom discusses Lebanon's paradox of a booming tourism sector amidst an economic crisis, revealing the disconnect between tourist activity and local hardships. Together, they explore the pressing challenges faced by these nations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rising Coups in Africa
- Coups in sub-Saharan Africa are increasing, echoing historical trends.
- Gabon's recent coup, while internally driven, reflects broader instability and a weakening of democratic norms.
Gabon Coup Dynamics
- The Bongo family's long rule in Gabon, coupled with resource mismanagement and dubious elections, fueled the coup.
- The coup leader's close ties to the ousted president suggest it was more of a power struggle than a revolution.
The Coup Cycle
- Coups were common in Africa during the latter half of the 20th century, declined in the early 2000s, and are now resurging.
- Factors like weak economies, insecurity, and a lack of consequences for coup leaders contribute to this trend.