Beijing owns Gabon’s present. Trump can buy its future

Beijing owns Gabon’s present. Trump can buy its future

The 2023 military coup in Gabon ended more than 50 years of Bongo family rule. After years of corruption and disputed elections, the coup gave the Gabonese people hope that they could begin a new chapter. The political transition also created an opportunity to boost U.S. engagement with the country where China has established a strong presence. In 2025, Gabon was one of just five African countries whose leaders were invited to the White House fo…