Gabon's president will overcome internal unrest

Significance

The ICC visit followed days after the IMF announced the approval of a 642-million-dollar, three-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which Bongo hopes will catalyse international support and boost his tarnished image both at home and abroad. An ongoing reconciliation initiative has garnered some opposition support, albeit without the key endorsement of Ping.

Impacts

• Bongo will struggle to reduce public spending as he tries to appease opponents through new state agencies and commissions.
• The anti-corruption campaign “Operation Mamba” will be intensified to win back international support.
• Further opposition attempts to seize power by force will hurt Ping’s cause.