Focus on Africa
Gabon's election: A fresh start?
Feb 6, 2025
Joseph Sigal, an expert in Gabonese politics, discusses the significance of Gabon's upcoming presidential elections following a military coup. He raises concerns about the legitimacy of elections under military oversight. Umaru Fufana, a Sierra Leonean journalist, reveals troubling connections between the president and drug trafficking, including a recent embassy scandal. Danielle Resnick sheds light on the new Sahel States passport, addressing its implications for trade and regional dynamics. This lively conversation tackles critical political and social issues shaping West Africa.
26:30
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Quick takeaways
- Gabon’s upcoming presidential elections amid military rule signal potential challenges to democratic legitimacy and fair political competition.
- The introduction of a new passport by the Alliance of Sahel States appears largely symbolic, reflecting regional identity rather than substantial economic changes.
Deep dives
Implications of New Passport Policies in the Sahel
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have introduced a new passport as part of their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), aiming to strengthen ties within their newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This new passport may not significantly impact trade or tourism, as movement among the citizens of these countries was already facilitated by the ECOWAS passport. The lack of differentiation in economic products traded among these nations suggests that the AES passport is largely symbolic. The real changes in border relations will only materialize when citizens need to renew their passports, as future compliance by ECOWAS to respect the new AES passports remains uncertain.
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