Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a cautionary prediction concerning the potential for increased instances of coups within Francophone nations.
Fani-Kayode’s remarks were prompted by the recent military intervention observed in the Republic of Gabon.
On a recent Tuesday, senior army officers announced the assumption of governmental control subsequent to the contested third-term re-election of President Ali Bongo, an event that took place on the preceding Saturday.
According to reports, the officers articulated their intention to nullify the outcomes of the aforementioned election, an event that had been met with opposition rejection on grounds of perceived “fraudulence.”
In a statement shared via Twitter, Fani-Kayode expressed his perspective: “Regrettably, yet another instance of political upheaval has unfolded in the African continent. The focal point this time is the nation of Gabon, wherein President Ali Bongo (depicted in the accompanying image) has been deposed from his position of authority.”
“The foresight I conveyed within my recent discourse, titled ‘Does Killing Nigerien Babies Bring Glory To Our Name?’, now appears remarkably prescient in light of current developments,” he continued. “It is not wholly astonishing that this scenario has transpired.
Indeed, it would be prudent to brace ourselves for the likelihood of additional instances of governmental upheaval across the Francophone territories situated within the regions of West and Central Africa. The rationale behind this forecast aligns with the elucidation provided in that earlier essay.”
Fani-Kayode proceeded to raise a pertinent question: “One must ponder whether regional bodies such as ECOWAS or the African Union will contemplate intervention in the Republic of Gabon as well.”
