![Kenya is one of several countries in Africa facing serious debt issues [File: Monicah Mwangi/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/kenya.jpg?resize=570%2C380)
China plays a key role: its government, banks and companies lent some $143bn to Africa from 2000 to 2017.
Gabon
![Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, here seen in 2018, was appointed as the first woman to head a government in Gabon on July 16, 2020 [Steeve Jordan/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/6644282e6f7140aeb9b04ba622020149_18.jpeg?resize=570%2C380)
Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda faces steep challenges in Gabon’s economic relaunch and COVID-19 response.
Pirates attacked four ships in Libreville harbour, government spokesman says.
![President Bongo [second left] gave a roughly four-minute speech to launch a gathering of the 11-nation Economic Community of Central African States [Steve Jordan/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/639c3ba6108942668b5bcb4782d3942d_18.jpeg?resize=570%2C380)
Ali Bongo suffered a stroke 14 months ago during a visit to Saudi Arabia and has rarely been seen in...
![Eight people from the oil-rich country has been accused of 'siphoning off public funds and money-laundering' [File: Justin Tallis/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/43a32ef3d1d74736a53af8351ae5f1ea_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Reports say more than $142m has ‘evaporated’ over the past two years from the Gabon Oil Company due to corruption.
![Gabonese President Ali Bongo (C) attends a wreath-laying ceremony in Libreville [Steve Jordan/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/6f4e8bc28f254eafbc41bdfac0a48484_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
The 60-year-old attends commemorations in Libreville on eve of Gabon’s anniversary of independence from France.
![Apart from a few words spoken on his return in late March, Bongo has not addressed the public [Tiksa Negeri/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/3fd313951b4c4652a66489cc0b98611b_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Bongo, 60, says ‘exemplary’ government is needed after $250m hardwood scandal, in first speech since suffering a stroke.
![Gabon's leader Ali Bongo announced the dismissals without giving a reason [Tiksa Negeri/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/8bf7f87c2aad4340bbdc3164cde834f1_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Sackings of Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou and Guy Bertrand Mapangou come amid scandal over timber smuggling.
![President Bongo took over upon his father Omar’s death in 2009 and has made saving Gabon’s unique wildlife, including its pristine equatorial rainforest and elephants, a priority. [Emma Farge/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/f37982469c7246c78ad3c928735a7498_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Government says 353 containers of protected hardwood that was illegally felled have disappeared from its custody.
![Bongo's family has been accused of amassing wealth through Gabon's oil reserves [File: Gabriel Bouys/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/34cb1141544b47efa4bb56e0c79ba536_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
President convalescing in Morocco will return this weekend for third time since suffering a stroke five months ago.
Gabonese president has rarely been seen since suffering stroke in October, leaving his country leaderless.
![Renegade soldiers said on Monday they were taking control of the government [Gabon State TV via AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/c92b7682b71b45098321164ebd862fda_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
President’s office claims situation under control after killing coup plotters but news blackout still in place.
Gabon’s government retains control after security forces kill two suspected plotters and arrest seven others.
![Bongo's detractors allege he lacks the charm and communication skills of his father [Diomande Ble Blonde/AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/adedd8df9e0c470a9088567d979fb6a8_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
The 59-year-old son of former President Omar Bongo has made few public appearances since suffering a stroke in October.