Power, Patronage, and Reform: The Bongo Family's Rule and Gabon's Political Transition.

This article examines Gabon's political transformation following the 2023 military coup that ended the Bongo family's 56-year rule, highlighting the shift from a neocolonial, authoritarian regime supported by France to an interim government led by General Brice Oligui Nguema pursuing reforms and greater autonomy. The Bongo dynasty maintained power through a top-down legitimacy framework combining familial clientelism, electoral manipulation, and French military and political backing, which ultimately proved fragile amid growing domestic discontent. The new regime emphasizes public engagement via the National Inclusiveness Dialogue and seeks diversified international partnerships beyond France, signaling a move toward a more inclusive and autonomous political order. However, challenges remain regarding the concentration of power within the military and the unclear transition to civilian governance, raising concerns about potential authoritarian regression. Gabon's case offers a distinctive perspective on post-authoritarian transitions and neocolonial dynamics within the broader context of political instability in Sub-Saharan Africa.