History of Gabon

Little is known of the history of Gabon prior to European contact. Bantu migrants settled the area beginning in the 14th century. Portuguese explorers and traders arrived in the area in the late 15th century. The coast subsequently became a center of the transatlantic slave trade with European slave traders arriving to the region in the 16th century. In 1839 and 1841, France established a protectorate over the coast. In 1849, captives released from a captured slave ship founded Libreville. In 1862-1887, France expanded its control including the interior of the state, and took full sovereignty. In 1910 Gabon became part of French Equatorial Africa and in 1960, Gabon became independent.
At the time of Gabon's independence, two principal political parties existed: the Gabonese Democratic Bloc , led by Léon M'Ba, and the Gabonese Democratic and Social Union , led by Jean-Hilaire Aubame. In the first post-independence election, held under a parliamentary system, neither party was able to win a majority; the leaders subsequently agreed against a two-party system and ran with a single list of candidates. In the February 1961 election, held under the new presidential system, M'Ba became president and Aubame became foreign minister. The single-party solution disintegrated in 1963, and there was a single-day bloodless coup in 1964. In March 1967, Leon M'Ba and Omar Bongo were elected president and vice president. M'Ba died later that year. Bongo declared Gabon a one-party state, dissolved the BDG and established the Gabonese Democratic Party . Sweeping political reforms in 1990 led to a new constitution, and the PDG garnered a large majority in the country's first multi-party elections in 30 years. Despite discontent from opposition parties, Bongo remained president until his death in 2009.
Early history
The societies of the indigenous Pygmies were largely displaced from about AD 1000 onwards by migrating Bantu peoples from the north, such as the Fang. Little is known of tribal life before European contact, but tribal art suggests a rich cultural heritage.
Gabon's first confirmed European visitors were Portuguese explorers and traders who arrived in the late 15th century. At this time, the southern coast was controlled by the Kingdom of Loango. The Portuguese settled on the offshore islands of São Tomé, Príncipe, and Fernando Pó, but were regular visitors to the coast.

[@lilchief1117]

I'd like for there to be more studies done the history of Gabon before European arrival

[@portunol9638]

I always hear that Gabon was an independent kingdom & formed an alliance with France before it gained more influence and power over the region vassalizing it. Till the Berlin conference where it was annexed, it feels harder to get information about it then it would be four other historical kingdoms like Congo or Madagascar(Imerina)

[@azuzyazumtahite5199]

Nice documentary

[@prettyboyterianoabioye4833]

These are Hebrews my people I was took from in the slave trade.

[@mercygraceful4924]

The Gabonese resemble some Bantus from the Congo.

[@only1monae]

This is precisely what I desire to know.

[@melokulekumalo2225]

Perhaps we can focus on that once we stabilize the economy so that we as Afrikans can sustain and define (Name) ourselves. Ase' 🙏🏿

[@abodisom_official]

✌✌

[@yahbachirbenyisrael815]

My DNA test results, placed me here, as a descendant of the BANTU migrants, who came here, from Yisrael.

[@jpaulstudios5152]

Tarzan lives here