Gabon blocks internet access, imposes curfew amid election voting delays
Gabon blocks internet access, imposes curfew amid election voting delays FRANCE 24 English
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Gabon Implements Internet Shutdown and Nightly Curfew Amidst Presidential Election
Gabon has cut internet access and imposed a nightly curfew as voting in the presidential election drew to a close. Opposition leader Albert Ondo Ossa has denounced “fraud” in his battle against incumbent Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
Election Details
- Bongo and Ondo Ossa are among 14 candidates vying for the presidency in Gabon.
- Ondo Ossa called on Bongo to step down and claimed “fraud” shortly after casting his vote.
- The internet was cut and a nightly curfew from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am was imposed.
- These actions were taken to counter the spread of violence and false information.
- Voting stations were delayed in opening, leading to extended opening hours.
- French channels France 24, Radio France Internationale (RFI), and TV5Monde were banned from the airwaves.
Opposition’s Response
The opposition accused the Bongo government of deliberately creating a disorganized election. Ondo Ossa denounced the fraud orchestrated by Bongo and his supporters and called for his own victory. The elections proceeded without the presence of election observers.
Controversies and Challenges
- Bongo, who succeeded his father in 2009, is seeking victory over a newly united opposition.
- Ondo Ossa, chosen as the joint candidate of the main opposition grouping, faced delays in casting his vote.
- A purported conversation between Ondo Ossa and another opposition figure caused controversy.
- Bongo accused them of treason, while Alternance 2023 denied the authenticity of the conversation.
- Last-minute changes to voting rules in the legislative race favored the ruling party.
Health Problems and Previous Election Violence
Bongo suffered a stroke in 2018, raising concerns about his fitness to govern. The announcement of his re-election in 2016 sparked violence in the capital, resulting in casualties. The opposition claims that security forces shot and killed protesters.
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the presidential election in Gabon and the issues surrounding it, such as fraud allegations, internet shutdown, curfew, and restrictions on media coverage. These issues are related to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
- Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
The article mentions the cutting of internet access, the banning of foreign media channels, and the lack of election observers. These actions indicate a lack of transparency, accountability, and respect for freedom of information and expression, which are the specific targets under SDG 16.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (e.g., education, health, etc.)
- Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists, and human rights advocates in the previous 12 months
The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but the actions described in the article, such as cutting internet access, banning foreign media channels, and restricting media coverage, can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (e.g., education, health, etc.) |
| Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements | Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists, and human rights advocates in the previous 12 months |
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Source: france24.com
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