Last Wednesday, military leaders in Gabon seized power, hours after the announcement of the election results which revealed that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had secured a third term as head of state. According to several analysts in the region, the elections were marred by irregularities. Moreover, the region has seen a rise in coup’s as more countries seek to break away from their colonial French ties. Under Ali Bongo, Gabon has been one of France’s closest allies in Africa with Bongo being described as a loyal supporter of French policies. With the attempted coup at play, after Niger, Mali and more, the reality is that the countries relationships with its former colonial power as well as its French economic and military interests in the wider region hangs in the balance. In this conversation Lerato Mbele takes a look at the relationship between Africa and France in 2023 with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and AU (African Union) Policy Analyst Emmanuel K. Bensah.

<p>Last Wednesday, military leaders in Gabon seized power, hours after the announcement of the election results which revealed that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had secured a third term as head of state. According to several analysts in the region, the elections were marred by irregularities. Moreover, the region has seen a rise in coup’s as more countries seek to break away from their colonial French ties. Under Ali Bongo, Gabon has been one of France’s closest allies in Africa with Bongo being described as a loyal supporter of French policies. With the attempted coup at play, after Niger, Mali and more, the reality is that the countries relationships with its former colonial power as well as its French economic and military interests in the wider region hangs in the balance. In this conversation Lerato Mbele takes a look at the relationship between Africa and France in 2023 with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and AU (African Union) Policy Analyst Emmanuel K. Bensah.</p>

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Lerato Mbele. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Mbele also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners makes sense of their world.

<p>POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Lerato Mbele. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Mbele also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners makes sense of their world.</p>

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