Ali Bongo Ondimba, the former President of Gabon, has recently been in the news due to a military coup that led to his ousting after 55 years of rule by the Bongo family. The coup, which was described as bloodless, resulted in General Brice Oligui Nguema, a cousin of Ali Bongo, being sworn in as interim president. Following the coup, the US government suspended non-humanitarian aid to Gabon, in alignment with other regional and international partners.
Ali Bongo Ondimba, born Alain Bernard Bongo on February 9, 1959, is a Gabonese politician who served as the third president of Gabon from October 2009 until his recent overthrow. He succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, who had been the President of Gabon since 1967. Ali Bongo's presidency was marked by both domestic and international challenges, including allegations of electoral fraud and criticism of his family's long-standing rule. The recent coup brought an end to his tenure, signaling a significant political shift in Gabon.