Gabon & Soccer

The Gabonese people have a lot of pride in their soccer team (The Panthers), that has a decent track record of being a pretty good team.  All countries need their sports team because it helps support comradeship between the citizen of the country who go out and support their team.  Sports help Gabon improve its relationships with other countries as well because it helps support comradeship between itself and other countries when they come together to watch a match up of their teams. Gabonese people had the honor to send a "Olympic squad" to the 2012 games (Coggin).

Gabon is no stranger to sending some of its citizens to the Olympics   BBC Sports reports that Gabon "ranked #69 at the 2012 Olympic games, and made their first Olympic appearance in 1972" (BBC.com.  Gabon had citizens representing them in football, boxing, as well as the martial arts.  Anthony Obame was the only Gabonese to take home a metal in 2012 Olympics; silver for Taekwondo (BBC.com).

Gabon 2012 Olympic Squad

Coggin, Stewart. "Gabon 2012 Olympic Squad." About.com World Soccer. About.com Guide, 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/internationals/a/Gabon-2012-Olympic-Squad.htm>.

BBC Sports Gabon at 2012 Olympics

"Gabon at the Olympics." Www.bbc.com. BBC Sports, 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/2012/countries/gabon>.

Gabon and United States Relations

 

Throughout this class I found that one of the most important things I wanted to learn about Gabon was its relationship with the United States.  It is relative important to me understand the role the United States played in helping and or working with the Gabonese people.  The US works with so many other countries and Gabon is and has been doing so many things to help establish and strengthen its relationships with so many countries across the globe.  I figured the United State would have had to take notice to all the work Gabon has done with and for the United Nations.

An article by The Bureau of African Affairs on the US Department of State website states "the United States established diplomatic relations with Gabon in 1960."  Based on what I have learned about Gabon this semester I assumed that relations between them and the US would be good, but that same article declares that " relations with Gabon are excellent."  The United States appreciates that Gabon has takes steps to "bring more transparency and accountability to government."  The US Department of State goes on to acknowledge that "Gabon is a key player in conflict resolution efforts in the Central African region...peacemakers".  I have a strong feeling that United States really appreciates the efforts Gabon makes to stabilize relationships with other countries in its region.  This is yet another way that Gabon is promoting peace and positive relations with other countries.

I would be extremely beneficial for Gabon to continue its positive relationships with the United States because of the assistance the US can offer to the country.  I would assume that if you are a small country like  Gabon it could be potentially be prosperous to remain in good relation with the United States.  The Department of State website declares "US assistance to Gabon seeks to improve the professionalism of the countries military officers and senior enlisted personnel by providing training that will help prepare the military  to operate effectively in regional peacekeeping and security efforts."  Gabon has something that the US loves and that is oil.  "Most of the US investments in Gabon, is concentrated in the oil and mineral Sectors", the Department of State claims.

Below Is A Link To The Article

US Department Of State

Bureau of African Affairs. "U.S. Relations With Gabon." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 24 Oct. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2826.htm>.

Gabon 3 Year Term To Human Rights Council

In order for Gabon to continue establish relationships with other countries it is crucial that they continue to work with the United Nations. Having been one of the countries that has had the pleasure of serving on the United Nations Security Council Gabon can now look forward to serving on the Human Rights Council for the next three years.  The Human Rights Council is a sector of the United Nations, but probable one of the Most important and prestigious councils of the UN.  Gabon along with other countries of the world work to preserve and improve the rights of people all across the world.

Gabon was elected to Human Rights Council last November and began its official term in January.  I believe that it is extremely important that the Gabonese people continue to work with United Nations.  Working with the UN and serving on some of its committees shows to the world the dedication Gabon has to improving its relationship with the world.  Gabon's work with the United Nations also shows its dedication to helping people all across the globe not only in Africa.  To me the most important thing a country can do is show their willingness to work with others in a peaceful manner, and to look out for their own people as well as the well being of others.

According to LeGabon.org "President Ali Bongo Ondimba had announced: “Gabon is an African voice that counts and should count more in the future. We are actors on the international diplomatic scene. Our mission must continue" (LeGabon.org).  Odimba goes on to state that the membership on the Human Rights Council "continue to cooperate with the bodies in charge of enforcing international criminal justice to combat impunity and organised transnational crime, such as poaching and illegal fishing" (LeGabon.org).

Below Is A Link To The Article I Used

LeGabon.org Article

LeGabon.org. "Gabon Elected on the UN Human Rights Council for a Three-year Term."LeGabon.org: The Official Portal of the Gabonese Republic. N.p., 15 Nov. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.en.legabon.org/news/1130/gabon-elected-un-human-rights-council-three-year-term>.

Famous Gabonese Singer & Musician: Patience Dabany

Being an art major I am drawn to topics that revolve around the art world, whether photography, music, painting, drawing, and various other mediums.  Being a person that needs music in order to get my day going; I thought it would be interesting to take a look at one of Gabon's most famous singers and musicians.  Patience Dabany is known for her strong vocals, pop music, and her skills as a drummer.  Debany began her career as a singer/musician in the latter 80's.  She has been also highly credited on her music she composes for movies or cinema features.

Patience Dabany is first on my list and is a famous Gabonese Pop singer.  An interesting fact about Patience Dabany is that she use to be First Lady for the country of Gabon.  Patience was married to long time President of Gabon Omar Bong Ondimba, and she served as first lady of the country for over twenty years.

According to NationMaster.com Encyclopedia Patience was "born Marie Josephine Kama in Brazzaville, Congo and she now goes by  the name Patience Marie Josephine Kama Dabany" (Levekisha).  Patience has become a star not only in Gabon but all across the world. It's reported on NationMaster.com  that "Dabany is one of the most prolific Musical Ambassadors of Gabon" (Levekisha).

There are many other talented people that have come from Gabon, Africa, but Patience Dabany is one of their crown jewels.  She was able to help lead the country of Gabon when she served as First Lady alongside her husband Odimba.  It was later in life after she served the Gabonese people that she really tapped into her artist side and began to create her now infamous music.  She was able to break the barriers and become a famous singer all over Africa, and presently a well known artist around the world.

Below Is A Link To The Website

Patience-Dabany

Levekisha. "Encyclopedia: Patience Dabany." NationMaster.com. NationMaster, n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Patience-Dabany>.

Pictures Of Gabon By Rhett A. Butler

All images are the property of Rhett A. Butler / mongabay.com, copyright 2006

I'm A Photographer and these are just some inspirational photos that I found by Photographer Rhett A. Butler; showing in detail the natural beauty of this country.

Black Water Swamp In Gabon

Beach at Point St. Catherine

Below Is The Link To The Website

MongaBay.com_Rhett Butler Photos

Butler, Rhett. "Pictures of Gabon." MongaBay.com. N.p., 2006. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://travel.mongabay.com/gabon/>.

Gabon Continues To Improve Relations With South Korea

As I stated in my previous blog Gabon is a country that is committed to improving its relationships with countries all across the globe.  I came across an article highlighting the continued meetings to improve relations between Gabon and South Korea. 

In 2010 Gabon and South Korea Began a series of meetings that would further nurture their desire to strengthen the unity between the two countries.  The meeting were called "The sharing of experience program or PPE" (Finch). The article I found from 2010 discusses the plan of South Korea and Gabon to have "bilateral meeting" (Press Release).  The Press Release on the website AfricanNews.com reported that that "The two Heads of State will meet on Monday 25 October to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and, notably, cooperation in the energy sector, in the development and exploitation of natural resources, infrastructure, as well as the experience of South Korea in terms of economic development" (Press Release).  The talks between the two countries were to be concentrating on how both countries could benefit from the "exploitation" of the countries natural resources.  South Korea was interested in the potential economic growth that come with the two countries working more closely together.

Being that South Korea has so many technological advancements it would be very beneficial to the Gabonese government to strengthen it ties with the Asian country.  At the same time there are many things that that South Korea can learn about Gabonese way of life, which makes their partnership mutually beneficial.  The second article I read was written in  February of this current year by Vaila Finch, which she writes about the follow up meeting of the two countries after 2010.  Finch article states how Gabon can " take advantage of South Korea's experience in the sectors of information and communication technologies, agriculture, and tourism in order to develop an effective economic strategy" for their own economy (Finch).  To me it seems that Gabon is committed to maintaining strong relationships with South Korea because the partnership of the two countries continues to date.

Below Are Links To The Two Articles

South Korea-Gabon

Finch, Vaila. "Gabon’s President Visits South Korea - Articles." Africa News/LeGabon.org. N.p., 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.africanews.com/site/list_message/31266>.

AfricaNews.com

Press Release. "AfricaNews - Gabon’s President Visits South Korea - Articles." Africa News. N.p., 20 Oct. 2010. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.africanews.com/site/Gabons_president_visits_South_Korea/list_messages/35539>.

Gabon Strengthening Its Ties With Morocco

The above picture is that of  Ali Bonga Odimba President of Gabon Africa and King Mohammad the VI of Morocco.  The purpose of this blog is to talk about positive things that are going on with the my selected country of Gabon Africa.  I believe that with so many negative things from the past hanging over many countries within Africa; it is absolutely necessary to highlight the great things that are going on today in Africa.  I recently came across a few articles that talked about how the country of Morocco is making an effort to improve it's relations with other countries within Africa.  One of the countries that Morocco is working with is Gabon.  According to the Morocco on the Move article listed linked at the bottom of the page, the King of Morocco "presided over the signing of six cooperation agreements with Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who reaffirmed Gabon’s support for Morocco’s compromise initiative for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty for Western Sahara (Morocco on the Move).

Even though Gabon and Morocco are both within Africa These two countries coming together to improve the relationship of their countries is essential to promoting the well being of the people of Africa.  It is through working together that the people of Africa can continue to Liberate themselves and become a more harmonious country.   I believe this story is a shows that Gabon is a very open country willing to work with others to improve the relations and lives of Gabonese people as well as other Africans.  Both leaders admitted that that their new partnership would be "mutually beneficial" (Morocco on the Move).  It is reported that the people of Morocco have "strong feelings of unity exist between Moroccans and the peoples of ...Gabon" (TANJAOUI).

It is crucial for Gabon to maintain and strengthen the bonds it has with Morocco, and  with other countries as well.

Below Are Links To The Articles

Morocco on the Move: MOROCCO KING STRENGTHENS RELATIONS WITH GABON

Morocco On The Move. Morocco On The Move. N.p., 28 Mar. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://moroccoonthemove.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/%EF%BB%BFmorocco-king-strengthens-relationship-with-gabon-gains-more-support-on-w-sahara/>.

"Morocco: King Tours Africa Countries, Gives New Impetus to South-South Cooperation."

TANJAOUI, ZAKARIYA. "Morocco: King Tours Africa Countries, Gives New Impetus to South-South Cooperation." AllAfrica.com. N.p., 14 Mar. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://allafrica.com/stories/201303150768.html>.