Gabon Protesters Torch Parliament as Bongo Dynasty Continues

After Gabonese President Ali Bongo won re-election, extending his family’s 50-year rule over the central African nation, protesters clashed with police and set the National Assembly aflame. Bongo narrowly defeated his rival, half-Chinese former diplomat Jean Ping by 49.8 to 48.2 percent—or by just 5,594 votes—ending a bitter presidential race but sparking a new wave of violence as anti-riot police were deployed to the capital city of Libreville. According to reports, protesters shouted “Ali must go!” and attempted to storm the election commission’s offices as forces used tear gas and stun grenades to halt the protests.