Gabon's president will consolidate his power

Subject

Gabonese constitutional controversy

Significance

The Gabonese parliament and senate, dominated by the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), unanimously passed a revised constitution on January 10. The new constitution will reportedly not include term limits, while providing President Ali Bongo with immunity from future prosecution. The opposition, led by former African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Jean Ping, has rejected the document and described it as a setback for democracy.

Impacts

• The legislative elections could face a fourth postponement given the slow progress in poll preparations.
• The government could enter the Eurobond market once more after raising 200 million dollars in an oversubscribed August issue.
• Bongo's administration will likely prioritise domestic over external debtors as part of a broader plan to stimulate the economy.