With one of Africa’s highest GDPs per capita, Gabon should be a model of prosperity—yet its oil riches were siphoned into offshore mansions and luxury fleets by the Bongo kleptocracy. From Omar Bongo’s 42-year dynasty to Ali Bongo’s rigged re-elections and the 2023 palace coup, we trace how pipedreams of development gave way to pipelines—and ask whether Brice Oligui Nguema can finally reclaim Gabon’s stolen promise.

Spend Abacha's Loot

Sources:

Gabon’s Bongo family enriched itself over 56 years of kleptocratic rule, spreading its wealth across the world

Has Gabon’s ‘all-powerful’ Bongo dynasty really lost its 55-year grip?

Gabon (1960-present)

Gabon’s first election after collapse of Bongo dynasty: What’s at stake?

Gabon votes in first presidential election since coup ended 55-year Bongo dynasty

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