The Bongo family will extend its 50-year rule over Gabon after the country’s constitutional court ruled Ali Bongo was the rightful winner of last month’s contested election. A claimed 99.9% turnout in Bongo’s stronghold, the province of Haut Ogooué, was roundly condemned. The constitutional court revised the figures for Haut Ogooué, saying there had been a 98% turnout, and that Bongo had won 83.2% to Ping’s 4.6%. The African Union had been about to dispatch a team of observers to the court, but were blocked from doing so. Violence erupts after Gabon election as incumbent Ali Bongo named victor Read moreAsked why African Union observers had been blocked from monitoring the constitutional court’s review of the election, he said it was for reasons of “sovereignty”.

Source: The Guardian September 24, 2016 00:11 UTC