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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:France and Gabon since 1993: The Reshaping of a Neo-Colonial Relationship
Author:Gardinier, David E.ISNI
Year:2000
Periodical:Journal of Contemporary African Studies
Volume:18
Issue:2
Period:July
Pages:225-242
Language:English
Geographic terms:Gabon
France
Subjects:foreign policy
Politics and Government
international relations
External links:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/713675627
http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=447C8BD504EA5A5130BD
Abstract:The victory of the centre-right parties in the 1993 French parliamentary elections gave President Omar Bongo of Gabon and his Parti démocratique gabonais (PDG) cause for rejoicing. Bongo now had reason to hope for the return of the close supportive relations that had existed in earlier periods when the centre-right in France had held power. Nevertheless, various circumstances were to contribute to changes that have reshaped the postcolonial relationship between France and Gabon since 1993. This essay examines these developments, including their impact upon the well-being and freedom of the Gabonese people, the condition of which has deteriorated in recent years. During the governments of Balladur, Chirac/Juppé, and Chirac/Jospin, the requirements of European integration, the financial drain of the franc zone, and greener pastures in non-francophone Africa have contributed to France's diminishing interest and disengagement. On the Gabonese side, the worsening problems resulting from decreased global demand and prices for petroleum have forced the Bongo regime to accept IMF tutelage in order to deal with its international debt. Furthermore, the regime has failed to control the diversion of State funds to the ruling class, which is also a major source of the country's woes. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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