The Daily Populous

Sunday September 3rd, 2023 day edition

image for Gabon coup: How France's neo-colonial empire in its former territories is disintegrating

In the aftermath of a presidential election marked by irregularities and an internet shutdown, Gabon witnessed a startling turn of events.

Military officers stormed Gabon’s state TV Wednesday and said they were now in charge, annulling the results and dissolving the constitution.

A torn campaign billboard shows ousted Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba in Libreville on August 31, 2023.

Whilst the international community has condemned the coup in Gabon, it has not attracted the same vehement criticism that last month’s coup in Niger did.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said France was watching the coup d’etat in Gabon “with the utmost attention.”.

Large crowds supporting the coup gathered Sunday near the French military base in Niamey, with demonstrators displaying signs demanding French troops withdraw.

It has to be done in a fair framework … We have our role to play, neither more nor less. »

Florida Judge Throws Out DeSantis-Backed Congressional Map, Rules in Favor of Civil Rights Groups

Authored by themessenger.com

A judge in Florida ruled in favor of civil rights groups on Saturday, throwing out a congressional district map that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis had backed and deeming it unconstitutional.

Civil rights groups served as the plaintiffs in this case, who argued that the proposed redistricting violated the constitution.

Circuit Judge Lee Marsh said in his ruling that the state did not prove their case and ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. »

Death at Burning Man investigated as rain-soaked festival asks attendees to shelter in place

Authored by nbcnews.com

People walk through the mud at Burning Man in Black Rock City, Nev., on Saturday.

Attendees of the weeklong countercultural music and arts festival were first advised to "shelter in place" and conserve food and water on Friday, according to notices from organizers.

“If you are in BRC, conserve food, water and fuel, and shelter in a warm, safe space,” organizers continued to warn Saturday. »

Ukraine designates PepsiCo, Mars as 'international war sponsors'

Authored by kyivindependent.com

Ukraine's National Corruption Prevention Agency added major food corporations PepsiCo and Mars to the "international sponsors of war" list on Sept. 1.

These numbers contradict Mars' pledge to scale down its Russian market after the all-out war against Ukraine started.

Mars is the U.S.'s fourth-largest privately owned company, with its most well-known brands being Mars, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Bounty, M&M's, Whiskas, etc. »