Identity politics at work in Gabon
Published: 17/Nov/2014
Source: Institute for Security Studies
By Liesl Louw-Vaudran, ISS Consultant
The nationality and parentage of heads of state is a sensitive issue all over the world, and especially in Africa. For years, those in power in Côte d’Ivoire, for example, maintained that President Alassane Ouattara wasn’t Ivorian, but actually from Burkina Faso and therefore couldn’t participate in presidential elections. Acting Zambian President, Guy Scott, is also prevented by the Constitution from being a candidate in next year’s elections because his parents are from Scotland.
Last week, clashes broke out in Libreville, Gabon, between the police and protesters during a march against President Ali Bongo Ondimba, son of late president Omar Bongo Ondimba.
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