This is a perfect example of corruption in Africa. The first family of Gabon is being investigated on corruption charges by French authorities. So far the investigation has yielded "a portfolio of 33 luxury properties alongside 70 different bank accounts...and a fleet of luxury cars... " The acquisition of material goods by the first family in a country where the majority of the population is poor, appears to be a case of egoistical behavior and greed. In response the president of Gabon has responded by switching the official language from French to English.
There is one important issue this article is pointing out. It is indirectly emphasizing to the fact that France still has power over its old colonies. The French can do and undo as they wish: they confiscated many of the luxury items. Incidents like this perhaps are also bringing back colonial memories to the people of Gabon. The exception to this case is that the president of Gabon can strike back to the actions of Paris. Article writer Poirier states, "Here is another African country using language as a political weapon, a declaration of war even, albeit a pacific one." Indeed, Gabon changed their official language.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gabon
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