CLASSES: Social stratification big bother to Gabonese

People watch the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament group A football match between Gabon and Burkina Faso at a bar in Port-Gentil in Gabon on January 18, 2017. / AFP PHOTO /

Though Gabon’s income is about four times that of other sub-Saharan African nations, majority of this wealth is in the hands of a few. Many towns here are full of poverty, which is less noticed in the villages, I’m told. Libreville, Gabon’s capital city, is dotted with lots of old rickety houses.

And due to the ever-rising temperatures, all houses, no matter how old, are fitted with air conditioners. Just to make the living conditions somewhat conducive. The natives fend for themselves and don’t have much lust for money. Village families only care about where they will get their next meal. Survival if key here. Anything goes, so long as they are assured of seeing tomorrow.