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Senior Gabonese military officers overthrow President Ali Bongo

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Some senior Gabonese military officers announced on Gabonese TV that they have seized power after the electoral commission announced President Ali Bongo had won a third term.
The coupists struck in the early hours of Wednesday, annulling Saturday’s election, which Bongo was declared to have won
Bongo became president of Gabon after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who was President for 42 years until his death in 2009.
Father and son ruled Gabon 56 years from 1967.

One of the sons of the Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba was arrested by the new junta for “treason”.

The ousted president has also been placed under house arrest alongside some of his family members.

“President Ali Bongo is under house arrest, surrounded by his family and doctors,” they said in a statement read out on state TV.

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West Africa

Obi Celebrates Mahama’s Return as Ghana’s President, Advocates for African Unity

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John Dramani Mahama

Nigerian statesman and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has congratulated Ghana’s President, John Dramani Maham, on his re-election and inauguration for another term in office.
In a statement issued via his X handle, Obi hailed Mahama’s victory in Ghana’s December 7, 2024, election as a resounding mandate for national renewal and inclusive governance.
Obi praised the Ghanaian leader’s triumph as a reflection of the people’s yearning for progress, stability, and development. He urged Mahama to prioritize policies that promote equity, accountability, and economic resilience, ensuring the welfare of all Ghanaians.
“May this new chapter be defined by peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of Ghana’s collective aspirations,” Obi stated. He emphasized that Mahama’s leadership should inspire the rest of Africa to pursue unity, growth, and sustainable development.
Political analysts have interpreted Obi’s message as a call for closer collaboration among African nations to address shared challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and economic disparities.
Obi further invoked the legacy of Ghana’s founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, urging Mahama to uphold the Pan-African vision of integration and continental progress.
Observers note that the bond between Obi and Mahama symbolizes a shift toward stronger West African cooperation amid mounting socio-economic and security concerns.
Ghanaians now look to Mahama’s administration to deliver on campaign promises, particularly in areas such as job creation, education, and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Obi’s remarks have sparked widespread praise across social media, with many commending his statesmanship and Pan-African outlook.
As Mahama begins his new term, all eyes remain on how his leadership will address Ghana’s pressing needs while serving as a beacon of progress for Africa’s future.

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West Africa

Ghana’s Supreme Court Upholds Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill

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Ghana’s Supreme Court has upheld the controversial Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, rejecting two bids to overturn it. The bill, which severely curtails LGBTQ rights, was approved by Ghana’s Parliament in February and has since sparked international condemnation, particularly from human rights groups and western countries.

The legislation mandates jail terms of six months to three years for individuals found engaging in LGBTQ sex, a move that has garnered significant public support within the conservative country. However, the bill has faced criticism from the global community, including the United States, and raised concerns within Ghana’s finance ministry over the potential risk of losing billions of dollars in World Bank funding.

The court’s ruling, delivered by judge Avril Lovelace-Johnson, emphasized that the bill cannot be acted upon until it receives ratification from the outgoing president, Nana Akufo-Addo, who is set to step down on January 7 after serving two terms in office. Akufo-Addo has stated that he would wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling before making a decision on whether to sign the bill into law.

Judge Lovelace-Johnson clarified, “Until there is presidential assent to the bill, there is no act of which the Supreme Court will use its supervisory jurisdiction to overturn.” The decision follows legal challenges from Ghanaian broadcaster Richard Dela-Sky and university researcher Amanda Odoi, who questioned the constitutionality of the bill.

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West Africa

John Mahama Re-Elected as Ghana’s President, Bawumia Concedes Defeat

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Former Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama has made a stunning political comeback, securing victory in the nation’s fiercely contested 2024 presidential election.

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate edged out his main rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a heartfelt concession speech delivered on Sunday, Mr. Bawumia acknowledged the NDC’s victory, citing internal data that indicated Mr. Mahama had won both the presidential and parliamentary polls.
“The people of Ghana have spoken, and I congratulate Mr. Mahama on his victory,” Bawumia stated.

Saturday’s election saw high voter turnout across the country as Ghanaians cast their ballots in what many described as one of the most competitive elections in recent history.

Although the Electoral Commission of Ghana has yet to officially declare the final results, Mr. Mahama’s win has been widely celebrated by his supporters, signaling the NDC’s return to power after losing the presidency in 2016.

John Mahama previously served as president from 2012 to 2017 and is expected to focus on addressing Ghana’s economic challenges and fostering unity in his new term.

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