The Bongo System

In Gabon, it was known as “the Bongo system.” For 41 years, Omar Bongo ruled Gabon and stole its oil revenues. As the Times explains, the system consisted of “forsaking roads, schools and hospitals for the sake of Mr. Bongo’s 66 bank accounts, 183 cars, 39 luxury properties in France and grandiose government constructions in Libreville.” The elite lived in mansions and sipped French wines while everyone else lived on $2 a day. The good news is that Bongo died in June. The not-so-good news is that his son, Ali, is the new president.