The military takeover happened hours after election results were announced that gave Ali Bongo Ondimba a third term. Finally, the result, which gave Ali Bongo Ondimba the victory with over 64% of votes cast, was announced while people were asleep. Except for its first president, Leon M’ba Minko (1960-1967), the Bongo family has governed the country for 56 years – (Omar Bongo Ondimba from 1967 to 2009 and Ali Bongo Ondimba from then on until 30 August 2023). The last two coups have been under Ali Bongo Ondimba. Ali Bongo Ondimba was the heir of a political system built by his father since the 1960s.
