Coup leader has six challengers – betting on dancing
Junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema ended the Bongo family's 50-year rule with a military coup 19 months ago. As Gabon now heads to the polls, he wants to portray himself as a man of the people, writes AFP.
Oligui has gathered large crowds, danced, and handed out sneakers to supporters during the campaign. Political analyst Lysiane Neyer Kenga calls it "an American-style campaign with a lot of money."
Oligui is being challenged by six candidates. According to AFP, the main challenger, Billie By Nze, has adopted a contrasting and very sober style. His campaign has focused primarily on knocking on doors in poor areas and visiting flood-affected parts of the country. So far, Oligui appears to have a significant advantage in opinion polls.
The problems with Gabon's only train line could decide the election
The country of Gabon has a single train line. On it, the rails broke down more than 650 times in one year at the last measurement in 2023, AFP reports.
Despite this, the train is often the best way to get around. Gabon is covered by 90 percent rainforest and has a shortage of roads. There are no flights at all.
- We have to take the train. It's not a choice, says Aaron Houchi, who is on his way to a funeral. The deceased relative is taking the same train, but traveling in a different carriage.
According to the news agency, the train line could be a decisive issue when Gabon goes to the polls on Saturday. The coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema has promised to upgrade the line, which the operator calls "the backbone of Gabon's economy."
Junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema ended the Bongo family's 50-year rule with a military coup 19 months ago. As Gabon now heads to the polls, he wants to portray himself as a man of the people, writes AFP.
Oligui has gathered large crowds, danced, and handed out sneakers to supporters during the campaign. Political analyst Lysiane Neyer Kenga calls it "an American-style campaign with a lot of money."
Oligui is being challenged by six candidates. According to AFP, the main challenger, Billie By Nze, has adopted a contrasting and very sober style. His campaign has focused primarily on knocking on doors in poor areas and visiting flood-affected parts of the country. So far, Oligui appears to have a significant advantage in opinion polls.
The problems with Gabon's only train line could decide the election
The country of Gabon has a single train line. On it, the rails broke down more than 650 times in one year at the last measurement in 2023, AFP reports.
Despite this, the train is often the best way to get around. Gabon is covered by 90 percent rainforest and has a shortage of roads. There are no flights at all.
- We have to take the train. It's not a choice, says Aaron Houchi, who is on his way to a funeral. The deceased relative is taking the same train, but traveling in a different carriage.
According to the news agency, the train line could be a decisive issue when Gabon goes to the polls on Saturday. The coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema has promised to upgrade the line, which the operator calls "the backbone of Gabon's economy."
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