Gabon
In: Africa Yearbook Volume 18Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Gabon covers major events in domestic politics, foreign policy and socio-economic development in 2021. President Ali Bongo’s health and preparations for dynastic succession, in particular his advancement of his oldest son Noureddin Bongo, were top themes in semi-public debates. In foreign affairs, in addition to assuming a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, part of its long rupture with French neo-colonial domination and the Francophone sphere of influence led the government took initiatives to join the British Commonwealth. It also announced an interim development plan, called the Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT) with ambitions to diversify the economy, reduce poverty, and fight climate change.