After Omar Bongo What's Next?

June 10-2009:

After Omar Bongo What's Next?

African states that were former colonies have a dilemma of cultural and economic dependence upon their former colonial masters.

Most of these states emerged as dictatorships, with the socio-political systems centered around the leader of the new independent country. Outsiders see these new and independent former colonies in Africa as free states, and feels that on the surface the national economy and political leadership have the approval of the national commonweal.

But in most cases the elected or appointed leadership are illegal, dictatorial, and are centered upon the personality of the leader, ruling elite, or ruling class.

The various ethnic groups within are at the mercy of the ruling elite, with mass unemployment, illiteracy, corruption in all places, and sometimes ethnic violence from those who feel victimized or totally left out of the political and economic process and benefits therein.

So who will emerge as Gabon's Leader?

Naturally, this country was ruled by Bongo's family for decades. And most of his ministers are family members too. Omar Bongo owns over 33 homes in France, most of which were acquired through 'kick back' deals with businessmen.

Therefore, it stands to reason that the new leader will be a family member, after the interim Prime Minister calls for an election.

And from which will emerge another victorious Bongo member, because the election machinery was and is in the hands of that family for decades, with an apposition that was made null and void.

Derryck.
NYC.