Jean Ping, leader of the opposition in Gabon and former presidential candidate, has arrived in Paris – France – his first foreign trip since 2018 after authorities banned him from travelling and seized his passport. Ping, a former Chair of the African Union, had been banned in 2018 from leaving the country in the wake of the highly charged post 2016 presidential elections period. He claimed victory for the elections but the incumbent leader Ali Bongo Odimba was instead declared winner. The post elections were marred by unrest. Ping also indicated that he will meet with Gabonese in France to exchange with them whenever to run for the elections.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 13, 2023 13:21 UTC