Gabon: Security Assistance
Other Releases
Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Washington, DC
October 20, 2008
Background: Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. The current president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated the country's political scene for four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Gabon's political opposition remains weak, divided, and financially dependent on the current regime. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries. (Source: CIA—The World Factbook)Security Assistance Funding: (Source: 2009 Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations)
($ in thousands)
| Account |
FY 2007 |
FY2007 |
FY 2008 |
FY 2008 |
FY2009 |
|
|
Actual |
Supp |
Estimate |
Supp |
Request |
| IMET |
263 |
-- |
191 |
-- |
200 |
In FY 2007, the Department of State authorized the export of defense articles and services valued at $9,184.
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