Why did declining petroleum prices lead to protests in Gabon in 1990?

In the mid-1980s, declining petroleum prices triggered an economic downturn in Gabon, which had previously relied on oil revenues for a significant portion of its national budget and infrastructure development.12

To address the resulting financial instability, the government implemented austerity measures. These policies, combined with existing frustrations over widespread corruption among government officials—who often diverted state funds and oil income for personal gain—led to widespread antigovernment demonstrations in Libreville and Port-Gentil in early 1990. This civil unrest ultimately pressured the government to convene a national conference, which resulted in significant political reforms, including the restoration of a multiparty system.132