Former Permanent Representative of the African Union to the Washington DC in the United States, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, has stated that the Gabon coup should not be compared to that of Niger Republic, however, the idea that the alleged neo-colonialism of France was the straw that broke the Camel’s back leading up to the coup should not be discarded.
Gabon’s president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family had maintained power for more than a half-century, was deposed just minutes after he was pronounced the victor of a contentious election announced.
While Bongo was placed under house arrest, his son was detained along with six others for “high treason.”
The European Union expressed concerns for yet another coup in a francophone Africa country, which is the 8th in three years, while Nigerian President and ECOWAS Chairperson Bola Tinubu reiterated that democracy must not perish in Africa.
In an ARISE NEWS interview on Thursday, Dr. Arikana who is a diplomat, medical doctor and human rights activist stated that though the junta which has taken over Gabon did not mention a connection to breaking away from the alleged neo-colonialism of France, it must not be taken off the table of consideration as it was for the same reason that many Francophone nations in Africa have been victims of coups.
“We don’t know if France is involved. We need to take time, the situation is too fresh and fluid, and premature for us to make a statement to say France is not involved.
“I have reservations when it comes to that. France is very conniving. Do not underestimate the games that France can play.
“I’m saying, let’s take some time, push back and continue to listen to the Generals. Yes, I did listen to the speech of the General and I did notice that he did not mention anything about France or neo colonisation. They said nothing about colonialism. Let’s look and see the direction the Generals are willing to take us. But I would hold off from claiming that France is not involved.”
The former AU representative went on to clarify that she in no way supports President Bongo’s change of the constitution by imposing his rule upon the people stating that the ousted President had dug his own grave.
“It is almost embarrassing, that one family or one dynasty would run a country for 55 years. It’s wrong.”
Speaking on the recent affairs in Zimbabwe after the opposition party known as the Citizen’s Coalition for Change (CCC) called on regional international bodies to aid in pushing for a re-run election, Dr. Chihombori-Quao said international bodies from the West should not be involved as their aim is mainly to csuse havoc in African nations.
“No matter how good a leader is, the Western world will always support the opposition. And if you follow the history, if the opposition happens to win, the Western world will still support whoever happens to be the opposition.
“So I want Africans to understand that we are under siege and supported to do things in a way that is detrimental to the overall well-being of the people.
“Where we run into a problem is wasted money being used to support the decision making processes of the opposition. Why Is it that the Western world never comes in with an even hand? If you’re going to support, support both parties.
China does not interfere, Russia does not interfere, we Africans, we do not interfere with anyone else’s elections, but sadly African elections are heavily infiltrated, heavily supported by outsiders who are always supporting the opposition to create havoc.
“I am going to say that interference from the Western world is the biggest challenge that all African countries are running into.”
Glamour Adah
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