Gabon will be heading to the polls on the 26th of August to elect a new leader. But as the country prepares to vote, current president Ali Bongo is seeking another term in office. Does Bongo aim to rule as his father did for over 40 years?

Elections in Gabon as current president hopes to keep the seat

Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The debt-for-nature swaps have recently gained some popularity among conservation finance, particularly after Ecuador struck the biggest deal of its kind and refinanced $1.6 billion of its commercial debt.&nbsp;

<h2>What are ‘debt-for-nature swaps’?</h2>

Debt-for-nature swap is when creditors provide debt relief for developing countries who commit to taking steps towards the conservation of the environment, like decarbonizing the economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, or protecting biodiverse forests or reefs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).&nbsp;

These so-called swaps can be useful for countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and often unable to afford investment to strengthen climate change-related resilience. Typically, a country’s debt, bought up by banks or specialist investors is replaced with cheaper ones with the help of a multilateral development bank “credit guarantee” or “risk insurance”.&nbsp;

Therefore, these debt-for-nature swaps free up fiscal resources for governments to improve resilience without triggering a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities, said the IMF.&nbsp;

The supporters of this concept, which was first ideated by the late “godfather of biodiversity,” Thomas Lovejoy,&nbsp;in the 1980s, call it a win-win for financiers, countries and conservationists, as per media reports.

<h2>About Gabon’s deal</h2>

The central African nation’s beaches and coastal waters are home to nearly a third of the global population and the world’s largest population of leatherback turtles, an endangered species.&nbsp;

Citing a regulatory filing, Reuters reported that Gabon on the London Stock Exchange had “launched invitations to tender for purchase by the Republic for cash its 2025 Notes and 2031 Notes”.&nbsp;

The filing has since prompted the three Eurobonds, that it referred, to rise as much as 2.2 cents on the dollar, reported the news agency. Furthermore, the February 2031 maturity rose 2.203 cents to 83.702 cents and the November 2031 maturity jumped 2.129 cents to 83.573 cents.&nbsp;

The Gabonese government offered to buy back the bonds for 85 cents per $1 of the bond. Meanwhile, the 2025 maturity, which rose 1.194 cents to 95.4 cents, is also lower than the offer price of 96.75 cents.

A report by Reuters citing industry sources also said that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would provide political risk insurance as it has for Ecuador and Belize.

Earlier this year, Ecuador sealed the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap on record amounting to $1.6 billion which has freed up as much as $18 million every year for the next two decades. The amount currently serves as a consistent revenue stream for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most precious ecosystems. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters.

Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters. The debt-for-nature swaps have recently gained some popularity among conservation finance, particularly after Ecuador struck the biggest deal of its kind and refinanced $1.6 billion of its commercial debt. What are ‘debt-for-nature swaps’? Debt-for-nature swap is when creditors provide debt relief for developing countries who commit to taking steps towards the conservation of the environment, like decarbonizing the economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, or protecting biodiverse forests or reefs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These so-called swaps can be useful for countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and often unable to afford investment to strengthen climate change-related resilience. Typically, a country’s debt, bought up by banks or specialist investors is replaced with cheaper ones with the help of a multilateral development bank “credit guarantee” or “risk insurance”. Therefore, these debt-for-nature swaps free up fiscal resources for governments to improve resilience without triggering a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities, said the IMF. The supporters of this concept, which was first ideated by the late “godfather of biodiversity,” Thomas Lovejoy, in the 1980s, call it a win-win for financiers, countries and conservationists, as per media reports. About Gabon’s deal The central African nation’s beaches and coastal waters are home to nearly a third of the global population and the world’s largest population of leatherback turtles, an endangered species. Citing a regulatory filing, Reuters reported that Gabon on the London Stock Exchange had “launched invitations to tender for purchase by the Republic for cash its 2025 Notes and 2031 Notes”. The filing has since prompted the three Eurobonds, that it referred, to rise as much as 2.2 cents on the dollar, reported the news agency. Furthermore, the February 2031 maturity rose 2.203 cents to 83.702 cents and the November 2031 maturity jumped 2.129 cents to 83.573 cents. The Gabonese government offered to buy back the bonds for 85 cents per $1 of the bond. Meanwhile, the 2025 maturity, which rose 1.194 cents to 95.4 cents, is also lower than the offer price of 96.75 cents. A report by Reuters citing industry sources also said that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would provide political risk insurance as it has for Ecuador and Belize. Earlier this year, Ecuador sealed the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap on record amounting to $1.6 billion which has freed up as much as $18 million every year for the next two decades. The amount currently serves as a consistent revenue stream for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most precious ecosystems. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon releases tender for Africa’s first 'debt-for-nature swap': What is it?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines | Ferry accident in Gabon: 6 dead & 31 missing, search operations underway

At least two people died and 28 are missing after a small ferry foundered off the Gabonese coast on Thursday, officials said. The ferry owner on Facebook said that the incident happened around 3:00 and 4:00 am after the vessel reported a "water intrusion" that led to a loss of control.&nbsp;

The port officials told AFP that the "Esther Miracle" ferry was on an overnight trip from the capital city Libreville with around 151 passengers onboard. The official on the condition of anonymity said that 28 people are missing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passenger-found-alive-on-greece-italy-ferry-after-blaze-11-still-missing-454784">Also read |&nbsp;Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing</a>

Eric Joel Bekale, the Deputy Transport Minister, said, "At the present moment, 121 people have been saved, and sadly two people have died." The authorities had launched a probe.

Gabonese Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze and Interior Minister Lamber Noel-Matha both were at the site.&nbsp;

Rescuers took a young woman to an ambulance on a stretcher, covered in a survival blanket, while a fireman took a baby wrapped up for treatment.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | World's first zero emissions ferry; special filter eliminates fine particles

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While some survivors disembarked from an oil company's supply barge, other passengers gathered on the quayside and knelt in prayer.

A survivor said, "Lord God, you saved us from the waters, we will make sacrifices to you, thank you, lord."&nbsp;

The site also saw some anxious relatives waiting for their loved ones at the port. A woman told AFP, "I have two relatives, my cousin and his wife, who were on the boat. I got a phone call at around 3:00 am and they said they were sinking."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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At least two people died and 28 are missing after a small ferry foundered off the Gabonese coast on Thursday, officials said. The ferry owner on Facebook said that the incident happened around 3:00 and 4:00 am after the vessel reported a "water intrusion" that led to a loss of control.

At least two people died and 28 are missing after a small ferry foundered off the Gabonese coast on Thursday, officials said. The ferry owner on Facebook said that the incident happened around 3:00 and 4:00 am after the vessel reported a "water intrusion" that led to a loss of control. The port officials told AFP that the "Esther Miracle" ferry was on an overnight trip from the capital city Libreville with around 151 passengers onboard. The official on the condition of anonymity said that 28 people are missing. Also read | Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing Eric Joel Bekale, the Deputy Transport Minister, said, "At the present moment, 121 people have been saved, and sadly two people have died." The authorities had launched a probe. Gabonese Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze and Interior Minister Lamber Noel-Matha both were at the site. Rescuers took a young woman to an ambulance on a stretcher, covered in a survival blanket, while a fireman took a baby wrapped up for treatment. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | World's first zero emissions ferry; special filter eliminates fine particles While some survivors disembarked from an oil company's supply barge, other passengers gathered on the quayside and knelt in prayer. A survivor said, "Lord God, you saved us from the waters, we will make sacrifices to you, thank you, lord." The site also saw some anxious relatives waiting for their loved ones at the port. A woman told AFP, "I have two relatives, my cousin and his wife, who were on the boat. I got a phone call at around 3:00 am and they said they were sinking." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At least two dead, 28 missing as Gabonese ferry sinks; 121 rescued

Africa's longest-serving political dynasty is facing lawsuits. Gabon's Bongo family faces probe in France & US. Paris cracks down on its former colony & family battles over property in US. How did a family from small African nation earn so much? Molly Gambhir brings you Full Context.

The Full Context| Omar Bongo: Gabon's late president faces charges in France

Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth on Saturday, becoming the latest nations with no historic ties to Britain to enter the English-speaking club headed by Queen Elizabeth II.&nbsp;

The 54-nation group of mostly former British colonies accepted Togo and Gabon's application for membership on the final day of its leadership summit in Rwanda.

"We have admitted Gabon and Togo as new members, and we all welcome them to the Commonwealth family," Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at the closing press conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-as-head-of-state-commonwealth-members-can-decide-own-course-says-prince-charles-491527">Queen as head of state: Commonwealth members can decide own course, says Prince Charles</a>

The French-speaking West African states are the first new members to join the Commonwealth since Rwanda in 2009.

Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said membership opened the door to 2.5 billion consumers in the Commonwealth realm, offered new education opportunities, and tapped a "craze" for English among his countrymen.

"Togo's membership is motivated by the desire to expand its diplomatic, political, and economic network&nbsp;as well as to get closer to the English-speaking world," he told AFP.

It also allowed the small and developing nation of 8.5 million to redefine bilateral relations with the UK outside the European Union in the aftermath of Brexit, he added.

Francophone states have also sought Commonwealth membership in recent years to pivot away from France, analysts said.

Togolese political scientist Mohamed Madi Djabakate said the move would prove popular as French influence in Togo was often blamed for its economic woes.

"Togo joining the Commonwealth is better for many people than sharing the French language and culture, which at the end of the day has not promoted development," he told AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;Commonwealth Summit 2022: Climate change, Food crisis on agenda

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'Making history'

Rwanda's own membership came at a time of immense strain between Kigali and Paris, and the east African state has forged close ties with the UK in the years after its admission, including a controversial migrant deal agreed this year.

Gabonese President Ali Bongo said his country was "making history" by joining the group.

"Sixty-two years after its Independence, our country is getting ready to breakthrough with a new chapter," Bongo said in a statement on Twitter.&nbsp;

"It's a world of opportunities for Gabon on the economic, diplomatic &amp; cultural levels."&nbsp;

Their admission is a boon for the Commonwealth at a time of renewed discussion over its relevance and purpose.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the interest from new members proved the organisation was alive and well.

But it could also raise questions about the Commonwealth's espoused commitment to good governance and democracy as fundamental values of its charter.

Oil-rich Gabon, a former French colony on the Atlantic Ocean, has been ruled by the Bongo family for 55 years.

Ali Bongo took over after his father's death and was returned to power in 2016 following an election marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud.

Togo, a former German then French colony, has also been under dynastic rule for more than half a century.

General Gnassingbe Eyadema governed with an iron fist from 1967 until his death in 2005, upon which his son Faure Gnassingbe took power.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/campaigners-urge-commonwealth-to-press-rwanda-on-human-rights-487001">Campaigners urge Commonwealth to press Rwanda on human rights</a>

He was re-elected in polls that were all contested by the opposition.

Born out of the British Empire, the Commonwealth represents one-third of humanity and spans nations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Mozambique a former Portuguese colony became the first Commonwealth member without historic links to Britain when it joined in 1995.

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Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth on Saturday, becoming the latest nations with no historic ties to Britain to enter the English-speaking club headed by Queen Elizabeth II.

Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth on Saturday, becoming the latest nations with no historic ties to Britain to enter the English-speaking club headed by Queen Elizabeth II. The 54-nation group of mostly former British colonies accepted Togo and Gabon's application for membership on the final day of its leadership summit in Rwanda. "We have admitted Gabon and Togo as new members, and we all welcome them to the Commonwealth family," Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at the closing press conference. Also read | Queen as head of state: Commonwealth members can decide own course, says Prince Charles The French-speaking West African states are the first new members to join the Commonwealth since Rwanda in 2009. Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said membership opened the door to 2.5 billion consumers in the Commonwealth realm, offered new education opportunities, and tapped a "craze" for English among his countrymen. "Togo's membership is motivated by the desire to expand its diplomatic, political, and economic network as well as to get closer to the English-speaking world," he told AFP. It also allowed the small and developing nation of 8.5 million to redefine bilateral relations with the UK outside the European Union in the aftermath of Brexit, he added. Francophone states have also sought Commonwealth membership in recent years to pivot away from France, analysts said. Togolese political scientist Mohamed Madi Djabakate said the move would prove popular as French influence in Togo was often blamed for its economic woes. "Togo joining the Commonwealth is better for many people than sharing the French language and culture, which at the end of the day has not promoted development," he told AFP. Watch | Commonwealth Summit 2022: Climate change, Food crisis on agenda 'Making history' Rwanda's own membership came at a time of immense strain between Kigali and Paris, and the east African state has forged close ties with the UK in the years after its admission, including a controversial migrant deal agreed this year. Gabonese President Ali Bongo said his country was "making history" by joining the group. "Sixty-two years after its Independence, our country is getting ready to breakthrough with a new chapter," Bongo said in a statement on Twitter. "It's a world of opportunities for Gabon on the economic, diplomatic & cultural levels." Their admission is a boon for the Commonwealth at a time of renewed discussion over its relevance and purpose. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the interest from new members proved the organisation was alive and well. But it could also raise questions about the Commonwealth's espoused commitment to good governance and democracy as fundamental values of its charter. Oil-rich Gabon, a former French colony on the Atlantic Ocean, has been ruled by the Bongo family for 55 years. Ali Bongo took over after his father's death and was returned to power in 2016 following an election marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. Togo, a former German then French colony, has also been under dynastic rule for more than half a century. General Gnassingbe Eyadema governed with an iron fist from 1967 until his death in 2005, upon which his son Faure Gnassingbe took power. Also read | Campaigners urge Commonwealth to press Rwanda on human rights He was re-elected in polls that were all contested by the opposition. Born out of the British Empire, the Commonwealth represents one-third of humanity and spans nations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Mozambique a former Portuguese colony became the first Commonwealth member without historic links to Britain when it joined in 1995. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

West African states Gabon and Togo join Commonwealth

A former coach for Gabon's under-17 soccer team accused of raping and sexually abusing young players has been arrested and charged with paedophilia, a judicial source said Monday.

Patrick&nbsp;Assoumou&nbsp;Eyi&nbsp;"was arrested Monday in Ntoum" some 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the capital Libreville and "is now in police hands after being charged with paedophilia", the source told AFP.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-held-by-tottenham-hotspur-2-2-in-a-controversial-thriller-438321">Premier League: Liverpool held by Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 in a controversial thriller</a>

On Friday, the country's sports minister had announced an investigation a day after British newspaper The Guardian had reported on accusations that&nbsp;Eyi&nbsp;raped, groomed and exploited underage athletes in his care.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba described the case as "very serious and unacceptable" as the allegations emerged last week.&nbsp;

He asked officials to open an investigation and requested a wider probe across all national sports federations to "eradicate potential sexual predators".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-title-race-to-continue-despite-increase-in-covid-19-cases-437618">Premier League title race to continue despite increase in COVID-19 cases</a>

The Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) last Friday suspended&nbsp;Eyi&nbsp;and ordered the Ethics Commission of the National Football League to officially look into the matter, the federation's spokesman Moussodji Ngoma said.

The Guardian reported that alleged victims said&nbsp;Eyi&nbsp;abused boys both as the head coach of the country's youth side until 2017, and until recently as the technical director for La Ligue de l'Estuaire, the nation's top league.

A former coach for Gabon's under-17 soccer team accused of raping and sexually abusing young players has been arrested and charged with paedophilia, a judicial source said Monday.

A former coach for Gabon's under-17 soccer team accused of raping and sexually abusing young players has been arrested and charged with paedophilia, a judicial source said Monday. Patrick Assoumou Eyi "was arrested Monday in Ntoum" some 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the capital Libreville and "is now in police hands after being charged with paedophilia", the source told AFP. ALSO READ: Premier League: Liverpool held by Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 in a controversial thriller On Friday, the country's sports minister had announced an investigation a day after British newspaper The Guardian had reported on accusations that Eyi raped, groomed and exploited underage athletes in his care. President Ali Bongo Ondimba described the case as "very serious and unacceptable" as the allegations emerged last week. He asked officials to open an investigation and requested a wider probe across all national sports federations to "eradicate potential sexual predators". ALSO READ: Premier League title race to continue despite increase in COVID-19 cases The Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) last Friday suspended Eyi and ordered the Ethics Commission of the National Football League to officially look into the matter, the federation's spokesman Moussodji Ngoma said. The Guardian reported that alleged victims said Eyi abused boys both as the head coach of the country's youth side until 2017, and until recently as the technical director for La Ligue de l'Estuaire, the nation's top league.

Gabon U-17 football coach arrested and charged with paedophilia

The study conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Gabon’s National Park Agency (ANPN), and Vulcan, estimates that 95,000 forest elephants now live in Gabon, confirming it as the principal stronghold for this species, which is considered critically endangered by IUCN.

Study: Gabon is largest stronghold for critically endangered African forest Elephants

Gabon is the world's second most forested country, for this reason it is called the lungs of Africa. In a bid to protect its rainforest, the country is planning to allow logging concessions, our next report tells you more!

Gabon: World's second most forested nation pushes for sustainable logging

Dozens of children live and work in sweltering heat in the Mindoube landfill in the Gabonese capital Libreville, searching for copper or aluminium items they can then resell. In Gabon, one of Africa's largest oil producers and one of the richest per capita in the region, one-third of the population lived below the poverty line in 2017, says the World Bank. "There are a lot of children here who...spend all their time in the landfill," says an activist.

Going to waste: The children who survive on Gabon's garbage dumps

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2022.

All five countries ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. They will replace Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indian-diplomat-nagaraj-naidu-to-be-unga-presidents-chef-de-cabinet-390683">In a first, Indian diplomat Nagaraj Naidu to be UNGA President's Chef de Cabinet</a>

To ensure geographical representation, seats are allocated to regional groups. But even if candidates are running unopposed in their group, they still need to win the support of more than two-thirds of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

Ghana received 185 votes, Gabon 183 votes, UAE 179 votes, Albania 175 votes and Brazil 181 votes.

The Security Council is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions like imposing sanctions and authorizing use of force. It has five permanent veto-wielding members - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan.

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2022. All five countries ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. They will replace Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam. Also read | In a first, Indian diplomat Nagaraj Naidu to be UNGA President's Chef de Cabinet To ensure geographical representation, seats are allocated to regional groups. But even if candidates are running unopposed in their group, they still need to win the support of more than two-thirds of the UN General Assembly. Ghana received 185 votes, Gabon 183 votes, UAE 179 votes, Albania 175 votes and Brazil 181 votes. The Security Council is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions like imposing sanctions and authorizing use of force. It has five permanent veto-wielding members - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, UAE elected to UN Security Council

From Nicolas Pepe to Cedric Bakambu, top five transfers featuring African players

The chief military rebel who led a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-soldiers-call-for-uprising-shots-heard-in-capital-188768">failed coup in Gabon</a> on Monday has been arrested and two of his commandos killed after they stormed a public radio station, the presidency said.

A group of soldiers attempted to take power and called in a radio appeal for a popular uprising against ailing President Ali Bongo, who is abroad recovering from a stroke.

Security forces stormed the radio station in the capital Libreville to take it back, killing two rebel troops, arresting their leader and freeing journalists who had been forced to help rebels make their appeal.

"The situation is under control," the presidency statement said.

Six rebel troops earlier Monday burst into the state radio broadcasting station, "neutralising" gendarmes in front of the building before making their broadcast, it said. 
Officials earlier said five rebels had entered the building and four had been arrested.

The message was read by a person who identified himself as Lieutenant Ondo Obiang Kelly, the deputy commander of the Republican Guard and head of a previously unknown group, the Patriotic Youth Movement of the Gabonese Defence and Security Forces.

He said a "national restoration council" would be formed in the former French colony "to guarantee a democratic transition for the Gabonese people".

Bongo is staying at a private residence in the Moroccan capital Rabat after suffering a stroke. He made a televised speech on New Year's Eve but has not been in the West African country since October.

The chief military rebel who led a failed coup in Gabon on Monday has been arrested and two of his commandos killed after they stormed a public radio station, the presidency said.

The chief military rebel who led a failed coup in Gabon on Monday has been arrested and two of his commandos killed after they stormed a public radio station, the presidency said. A group of soldiers attempted to take power and called in a radio appeal for a popular uprising against ailing President Ali Bongo, who is abroad recovering from a stroke. Security forces stormed the radio station in the capital Libreville to take it back, killing two rebel troops, arresting their leader and freeing journalists who had been forced to help rebels make their appeal. "The situation is under control," the presidency statement said. Six rebel troops earlier Monday burst into the state radio broadcasting station, "neutralising" gendarmes in front of the building before making their broadcast, it said. Officials earlier said five rebels had entered the building and four had been arrested. The message was read by a person who identified himself as Lieutenant Ondo Obiang Kelly, the deputy commander of the Republican Guard and head of a previously unknown group, the Patriotic Youth Movement of the Gabonese Defence and Security Forces. He said a "national restoration council" would be formed in the former French colony "to guarantee a democratic transition for the Gabonese people". Bongo is staying at a private residence in the Moroccan capital Rabat after suffering a stroke. He made a televised speech on New Year's Eve but has not been in the West African country since October.

Gabon rebel chief caught, two killed in failed coup: Presidency

President Donald Trump said on Friday that US military personnel had deployed to Gabon in response to possible violent demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a presidential election there.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump said the first of about 80 military personnel arrived in Gabon on Wednesday in case they are needed to protect US citizens and diplomatic facilities in Congo`s capital Kinshasa.

He said they "will remain in the region until the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo becomes such that their presence is no longer needed."

Trump said additional forces may deploy to Gabon "if necessary."

Congo's electoral commission is scheduled to release provisional results of the presidential election on Sunday, but it has said there could be delays because of the slow arrival of tally sheets.

Observers and the opposition say the election was marred by serious irregularities. Congo`s government says the election was fair and went smoothly.

President Joseph Kabila`s ruling coalition is backing his hand-picked successor Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary.

The international community has raised concerns that a disputed result could cause unrest, as was the case after the 2006 and 2011 elections.

On Thursday, the US State Department called on the electoral commission to ensure votes were accurately counted and threatened to impose sanctions against those who undermined the process or threatened peace and stability in the country.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that US military personnel had deployed to Gabon in response to possible violent demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a presidential election there.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that US military personnel had deployed to Gabon in response to possible violent demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a presidential election there. In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump said the first of about 80 military personnel arrived in Gabon on Wednesday in case they are needed to protect US citizens and diplomatic facilities in Congo`s capital Kinshasa. He said they "will remain in the region until the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo becomes such that their presence is no longer needed." Trump said additional forces may deploy to Gabon "if necessary." Congo's electoral commission is scheduled to release provisional results of the presidential election on Sunday, but it has said there could be delays because of the slow arrival of tally sheets. Observers and the opposition say the election was marred by serious irregularities. Congo`s government says the election was fair and went smoothly. President Joseph Kabila`s ruling coalition is backing his hand-picked successor Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. The international community has raised concerns that a disputed result could cause unrest, as was the case after the 2006 and 2011 elections. On Thursday, the US State Department called on the electoral commission to ensure votes were accurately counted and threatened to impose sanctions against those who undermined the process or threatened peace and stability in the country.

Fearing Congo violence, US deploys small military force to Gabon

Two Danish journalists were wounded by an attacker in Gabon&#39;s capital Libreville, the Gabonese defence minister said.&nbsp;

The attacker, while wielding a knife, yelled &quot;Allahu Akbar&quot; and stabbed the two National Geographic channel reporters in the middle of a popular market on Saturday.&nbsp;

&quot;According to the first testimonies at the scene, the assailant, a 53-year-old Nigerien man, shouted &#39;Allahu Akbar&#39; (&quot;God is Greatest&quot;) during the attack. He was arrested on the spot,&quot; said defense minister Etienne Massard.

The attack was reportedly committed in retribution for &quot;US attacks against Muslims&quot;, reports said.&nbsp;

The man, who has lived in Gabon for 19 years, &quot;in his first statements said he acted in retaliation for US attacks against Muslims and America&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital&quot; said Massard.

The two victims were sent to a hospital in the capital Libreville, one in a serious condition, government spokesman Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze said.&nbsp;

The attack was reportedly committed in retribution for 'US attacks against Muslims'

Two Danish journalists were wounded by an attacker in Gabon's capital Libreville, the Gabonese defence minister said. The attacker, while wielding a knife, yelled "Allahu Akbar" and stabbed the two National Geographic channel reporters in the middle of a popular market on Saturday. "According to the first testimonies at the scene, the assailant, a 53-year-old Nigerien man, shouted 'Allahu Akbar' ("God is Greatest") during the attack. He was arrested on the spot," said defense minister Etienne Massard. The attack was reportedly committed in retribution for "US attacks against Muslims", reports said. The man, who has lived in Gabon for 19 years, "in his first statements said he acted in retaliation for US attacks against Muslims and America's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital" said Massard. The two victims were sent to a hospital in the capital Libreville, one in a serious condition, government spokesman Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze said.

Two Danish journalists wounded in Islamist knife attack in Gabon

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when top&nbsp;African players of every football&nbsp;club go missing for a few weeks in January.

That time has come again with players such as Liverpool&#39;s Sadio Mane and Arsenal&#39;s Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play in Africa&#39;s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January&nbsp;14, 2017 to February&nbsp;5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa.

The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer&mdash;<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37929355">$4 million</a> for the winner&mdash;and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/">FIFA Confederations Cup</a>.

The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of&nbsp;continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2.

This year&#39;s AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l&rsquo;Amiti&eacute; Sino in Libreville, Gabon&#39;s capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February&nbsp;5, 2017.

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The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION)
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The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other&nbsp;once. The top two from each group progress&nbsp;into the quarterfinals after which&nbsp;the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament.

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Group B is seen as the &#39;Group of Death&#39; at AFCON 2017. (WION)
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Every football tournament usually has a &quot;Group of death&quot; from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group B gets the dreaded moniker as&nbsp;three of Africa&#39;s top five countries in the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/caf.html">FIFA world rankings</a>&mdash;Senegal, Tunisia and Algeria&mdash;have been thrown together.

Group D with <a href="http://rsssf.com/tablesa/afrchamp.html">seven-time</a> AFCON winner Egypt,&nbsp;four-time AFCON winner Ghana and&nbsp;potential spoilsport&nbsp;Mali is likely to be another tough group.

So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers <a href="http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/en-gb/betting/e/10431613/Africa%20Cup%20of%20Nations%20-%20Winner.html">William Hill</a> have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with&nbsp;decimal odds of 4.5 and&nbsp;Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5.

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Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION)
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The tournament won&#39;t be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player&nbsp;at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in&nbsp;top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches!

Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral&#39;s favourite.

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Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) could make Algeria one of the most exciting teams to watch at the tournament. (AFP)
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Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

Africa's biggest football tournament begins this Saturday

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when top African players of every football club go missing for a few weeks in January. That time has come again with players such as Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play in Africa's biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January 14, 2017 to February 5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa. The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer—$4 million for the winner—and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2. This year's AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l’Amitié Sino in Libreville, Gabon's capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February 5, 2017. The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION) × The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other once. The top two from each group progress into the quarterfinals after which the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament. Group B is seen as the 'Group of Death' at AFCON 2017. (WION) × Every football tournament usually has a "Group of death" from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group B gets the dreaded moniker as three of Africa's top five countries in the FIFA world rankings—Senegal, Tunisia and Algeria—have been thrown together. Group D with seven-time AFCON winner Egypt, four-time AFCON winner Ghana and potential spoilsport Mali is likely to be another tough group. So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers William Hill have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with decimal odds of 4.5 and Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5. Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION) × The tournament won't be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches! Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral's favourite. Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) could make Algeria one of the most exciting teams to watch at the tournament. (AFP) × Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off in Gabon

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when leading African players of every major club go missing for a few weeks in January.

That time has come again with players such as Liverpool&#39;s Sadio Mane and Arsenal&#39;s Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play for their countries in Africa&#39;s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January&nbsp;14, 2017 to February&nbsp;5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa.

The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer&mdash;<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37929355">$4 million</a> for the winner&mdash;and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/">FIFA Confederations Cup</a>.

The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of&nbsp;continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2.

This year&#39;s AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l&rsquo;Amiti&eacute; Sino in Libreville, Gabon&#39;s capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February&nbsp;5, 2017.

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The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION)
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The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other&nbsp;once. The top two from each group progress&nbsp;into the quarterfinals after which&nbsp;the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament.

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Group D is seen as the &#39;Group of Death&#39; at AFCON 2017. (WION)
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Every football tournament usually has a &quot;Group of death&quot; from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group D seems like it will be granted the moniker&nbsp;with <a href="http://rsssf.com/tablesa/afrchamp.html">seven-time</a> AFCON winner Egypt and four-time AFCON winner Ghana in the same group along with potential spoilsport Mali.

So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers <a href="http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/en-gb/betting/e/10431613/Africa%20Cup%20of%20Nations%20-%20Winner.html">William Hill</a> have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with&nbsp;decimal odds of 4.5 and&nbsp;Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/afcon%20odds-20170106045217.jpg" />
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Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION)
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The tournament won&#39;t be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player&nbsp;at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in&nbsp;top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches!

Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral&#39;s favourite.

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Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) play for Algeria, one of the favourites to win AFCON 2017. (WION)
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Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

Here's a look ahead at football's Africa Cup of Nations beginning in a week's time in Gabon, the hot favourites and potential stars

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when leading African players of every major club go missing for a few weeks in January. That time has come again with players such as Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play for their countries in Africa's biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January 14, 2017 to February 5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa. The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer—$4 million for the winner—and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2. This year's AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l’Amitié Sino in Libreville, Gabon's capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February 5, 2017. The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION) × The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other once. The top two from each group progress into the quarterfinals after which the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament. Group D is seen as the 'Group of Death' at AFCON 2017. (WION) × Every football tournament usually has a "Group of death" from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group D seems like it will be granted the moniker with seven-time AFCON winner Egypt and four-time AFCON winner Ghana in the same group along with potential spoilsport Mali. So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers William Hill have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with decimal odds of 4.5 and Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5. Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION) × The tournament won't be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches! Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral's favourite. Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) play for Algeria, one of the favourites to win AFCON 2017. (WION) × Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

It's all about to kick off in Gabon!

Gabon&#39;s constitutional court has upheld President Ali Bongo&#39;s re-election victory after rejecting an appeal by rival Jean Ping, who had asked for a recount over allegations of fraud.&nbsp; 
 
The court partially changed results of the August 27 vote and said Bongo maintained a lead by taking 50.66 per cent of the vote against ally-turned-rival Ping. 
 
Ping&#39;s camp has refused to concede defeat in the election. &quot;No one can dispute the fact that Jean Ping has roundly won this election,&quot; his spokesman Jean Gaspard Ntoutoume Ayi told AFP after the court announcement. 
 
Bongo&#39;s victory after the bitterly fought election had sparked days of violent protests, sending the country in a political limbo. 
 
After the ruling, Bongo appealed for &quot;political dialogue&quot; with the opposition to tackle the crisis. 
 
&quot;I call all political leaders, including the defeated candidates in the August 27 election, for a political dialogue,&quot; Bongo said in a speech broadcast on television.&nbsp; 
 
Jean Ping had asked the constitutional court to recount votes in the&nbsp;Haut-Ogooue province, the stronghold of the Bongo family, where the President won more than 95 per cent of the votes. 
 
EU observers had said there was a &quot;clear anomaly&quot; in those results, AFP reported. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP) 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

The country's constitutional court rejected a vote recount plea by President Bongo's opponent Jean Ping

Gabon's constitutional court has upheld President Ali Bongo's re-election victory after rejecting an appeal by rival Jean Ping, who had asked for a recount over allegations of fraud. The court partially changed results of the August 27 vote and said Bongo maintained a lead by taking 50.66 per cent of the vote against ally-turned-rival Ping. Ping's camp has refused to concede defeat in the election. "No one can dispute the fact that Jean Ping has roundly won this election," his spokesman Jean Gaspard Ntoutoume Ayi told AFP after the court announcement. Bongo's victory after the bitterly fought election had sparked days of violent protests, sending the country in a political limbo. After the ruling, Bongo appealed for "political dialogue" with the opposition to tackle the crisis. "I call all political leaders, including the defeated candidates in the August 27 election, for a political dialogue," Bongo said in a speech broadcast on television. Jean Ping had asked the constitutional court to recount votes in the Haut-Ogooue province, the stronghold of the Bongo family, where the President won more than 95 per cent of the votes. EU observers had said there was a "clear anomaly" in those results, AFP reported. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Gabon court upholds Ali Bongo's re-election win

Gabon&#39;s parliament was set ablaze by angry protesters after President Ali Bongo was re-elected in what he claimed to be a &quot;peaceful and transparent election&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Libreville&#39;s streets erupted in fury as thousands faced the heavily-armed security forces and some of them vandalised a shopping center and looted a bank, according to AP.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The whole building is catching fire,&quot; a man outside parliament told AFP. 
 
Bongo won Saturday&#39;s presidential poll by just 5,594 votes, taking 49.80 per cent to 48.23 per cent for his rival Jean Ping, a veteran diplomat and former top African Union official.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Jean Ping president!&quot;, &quot;They stole the election&quot;, &quot;Ali must go&quot; echoed through city&#39;s slums as helicopters flew overhead and smoke rose above poorer neighbourhoods.&nbsp; 
 
Bongo&#39;s term has extended to another seven years. Opposition members of the Central African oil producer&#39;s electoral commission have rejected the election results and have vowed to fight for a recount.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s going to be difficult to get people to accept these results,&quot; one member of the electoral commission confided to AFP. 
 
&quot;We&#39;ve never seen results like these, even during the father`s time,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
Ali Bongo was first elected in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who ran Gabon for 42 years.&nbsp; 
 
The credibility of the elections is being widely questioned. France&#39;s foreign ministry said the manner in which the final results were announced was a great source of concern.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We think it is necessary to publish the results of all the polling stations. The credibility of the election as well as Gabon&#39;s international reputation are at stake,&quot; it said. 
 
A similar sentiment was expressed by the US Department of State which called upon Gabon&#39;s security forces to exercise restraint.&nbsp; 
 
One third of Gabon&#39;s population lives in poverty, despite the country boasting one of Africa&#39;s highest per capita incomes at $8,300 (7,400 euros) thanks to pumping 200,000 barrels of oil a day. Economic troubles have largely been driven by budget cuts in Africa&#39;s wealthiest nation.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Thousands of angry protesters took to the streets against Bongo's re-election. Opposition have vowed to fight for a recount

Gabon's parliament was set ablaze by angry protesters after President Ali Bongo was re-elected in what he claimed to be a "peaceful and transparent election". Libreville's streets erupted in fury as thousands faced the heavily-armed security forces and some of them vandalised a shopping center and looted a bank, according to AP. "The whole building is catching fire," a man outside parliament told AFP. Bongo won Saturday's presidential poll by just 5,594 votes, taking 49.80 per cent to 48.23 per cent for his rival Jean Ping, a veteran diplomat and former top African Union official. "Jean Ping president!", "They stole the election", "Ali must go" echoed through city's slums as helicopters flew overhead and smoke rose above poorer neighbourhoods. Bongo's term has extended to another seven years. Opposition members of the Central African oil producer's electoral commission have rejected the election results and have vowed to fight for a recount. "It's going to be difficult to get people to accept these results," one member of the electoral commission confided to AFP. "We've never seen results like these, even during the father`s time," he added. Ali Bongo was first elected in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who ran Gabon for 42 years. The credibility of the elections is being widely questioned. France's foreign ministry said the manner in which the final results were announced was a great source of concern. "We think it is necessary to publish the results of all the polling stations. The credibility of the election as well as Gabon's international reputation are at stake," it said. A similar sentiment was expressed by the US Department of State which called upon Gabon's security forces to exercise restraint. One third of Gabon's population lives in poverty, despite the country boasting one of Africa's highest per capita incomes at $8,300 (7,400 euros) thanks to pumping 200,000 barrels of oil a day. Economic troubles have largely been driven by budget cuts in Africa's wealthiest nation. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Gabon's parliament set ablaze after Bongo's win

At least 18 people were killed in a collision between a minibus a lorry in western Gabon on Saturday, the government said in a statement. 
 
Pictures said to be from the crash scene, shared on social media, showed bloody and dismembered bodies. 
 
The accident happened near the town of Kango, 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Libreville, along a stretch of the country&#39;s main highway. 
 
&quot;The tragic provisional toll is 18 dead,&quot; transport minister Ernest Mpouho Epigat said, adding that bodies of the victims had been taken to the capital. 
 
The cause of the collision was unknown and an inquiry has been opened, the government statement said. 
 
Road accidents are frequent in Gabon, a Central African nation of 1.8 million inhabitants. 
 
The government urged road users &quot;to observe the elementary tules of road safety,&quot; especially during the current busy holiday season, 
 
The National 1 highway, where Saturday&#39;s accident happened, links Libreville with the interior of the country and is often heavily congested. 
 
(AFP)

The accident happened on National Highway 1, which links the capital with the interior of the country and is often heavily congested

At least 18 people were killed in a collision between a minibus a lorry in western Gabon on Saturday, the government said in a statement. Pictures said to be from the crash scene, shared on social media, showed bloody and dismembered bodies. The accident happened near the town of Kango, 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Libreville, along a stretch of the country's main highway. "The tragic provisional toll is 18 dead," transport minister Ernest Mpouho Epigat said, adding that bodies of the victims had been taken to the capital. The cause of the collision was unknown and an inquiry has been opened, the government statement said. Road accidents are frequent in Gabon, a Central African nation of 1.8 million inhabitants. The government urged road users "to observe the elementary tules of road safety," especially during the current busy holiday season, The National 1 highway, where Saturday's accident happened, links Libreville with the interior of the country and is often heavily congested. (AFP)

18 killed as minibus collides with lorry in Gabon

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