The biggest mistake West African leaders such as Ali Bongo and his peers are making is to believe they are immune from any
military coup , for having a praetorian guard capable of crushing any coup attempt led by other
branches of the military.
They don't remember that in 1991, when students rose up in Mali against then president Moussa Traore, it was
commandant Toumani Toure', head of the republican ( presidential) guard who led the military coup.
Moussa Traore was arrested along with his wife. People stormed government offices and one cabinet minister was burned
alive in the streets.
There is more safe heaven for presidents who want to stay in power for life.