In a surprising turn of events, a group of twelve army officers in Gabon has taken control of the country, announcing their actions on national television. Their primary declaration was the nullification of the results of the recent presidential election, which had declared President Ali Bongo as the winner. President Bongo’s family has held power in Gabon for an astounding 53 years.

The electoral commission had previously announced that President Bongo secured just under two-thirds of the votes in an election that the opposition had strongly contested, alleging fraud. The soldiers on television declared the dissolution of “all the institutions of the republic” and the immediate closure of the country’s borders, citing the need to defend peace and address what they described as irresponsible and unpredictable governance that was causing social cohesion to deteriorate, risking chaos in the country.

Reports from journalists indicated that loud gunfire erupted in the capital city, Libreville, following the soldiers’ televised announcement. At the time of the announcement, the government had not issued any immediate response.

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This recent election in Gabon had raised significant concerns, similar to previous general elections in the country. The main opposition candidate, Albert Ondo Ossa, had complained about polling stations lacking ballot papers with his name, and the coalition he represented noted that the names of some candidates who had withdrawn from the presidential race still appeared on the ballot. Additionally, the government had reportedly banned foreign media from covering the election, and security measures, including a curfew and suspension of internet access, were put in place as polls closed.

It’s worth noting that President Ali Bongo’s previous election victories had been contested as fraudulent by his opponents. This time, there were controversial changes made to voting papers shortly before the election.

President Ali Bongo had assumed power in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar Bongo. In 2018, he suffered a stroke that incapacitated him for nearly a year and prompted calls for him to step down. In the subsequent year, a failed coup attempt resulted in mutinying soldiers being imprisoned.

3M has reached a $6 billion settlement to address around 300,000 lawsuits claiming that the company provided faulty combat earplugs to the military, resulting in significant injuries like hearing loss. In their statement, 3M clarified that this settlement is not an admission of liability and will be paid out over several years, consisting of $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in stock.

3M defended the safety and effectiveness of the earplugs when used correctly, expressing readiness to continue defending itself if specific settlement terms are not met. These earplugs were utilized by the US military in training and combat between 2003 and 2015. Veterans alleged that 3M sold defective earplugs for hearing issues and tinnitus.

The earplugs in question were initially produced by Aearo Technologies, a company acquired by 3M in 2008. Aearo attempted to file for bankruptcy to manage its liabilities and limit exposure, but this was rejected by a judge who deemed it inappropriate for a financially sound debtor with no imminent solvency issues to seek bankruptcy protection.

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3M expects a pre-tax charge of approximately $4.2 billion for the third quarter of 2023 due to this settlement. Interestingly, the company’s stock price rose by 5% on the news, possibly because investors had anticipated a more significant settlement amount.

This is the second significant lawsuit settlement for 3M during the summer, following their announcement in June that they would allocate up to $10.3 billion over 13 years to support public water suppliers in the United States dealing with the detection of toxic “forever chemicals” called polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their water sources.

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been found in numerous household items and are used in coatings that resist water, grease, and oil. 3M faced thousands of lawsuits asserting that they were aware of PFAS-related health risks, including cancer and developmental defects, and that these chemicals contaminated US drinking water systems. As a response, 3M pledged to cease production of these controversial chemicals by the end of 2025.

The High-Stakes Battle Unfolding in Ukraine

In a high-stakes showdown between Russia and Ukraine, a pivotal moment has arrived. The Kremlin is swiftly dispatching reinforcements to Zaporizhzhia Oblast in southern Ukraine, aiming to thwart a major Ukrainian breakthrough along a critical axis. This desperate move reflects the intensity of the ongoing conflict and the strategic importance of the region.

The Reinforcements: 76th Guards Air Assault Division

Fresh Forces at Play: The reinforcements originate from the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, often considered Russia’s finest division. Rob Lee, an analyst at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, underscores the division’s quality and recent activity.

Momentum Shift: The redeployment of the 76th GAAD highlights the surging momentum of Ukraine’s counteroffensive in 2023. Simultaneous armored assaults across southern and eastern Ukraine mark a significant turning point in the conflict.

Ukrainian Victories: Shifting the Balance

Liberation in Robotyne and Urozhaine: Recent weeks have seen the Ukrainian army and independent air-assault force successfully liberate Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia. Furthermore, Russian troops were ousted from Urozhaine, marking a notable achievement for the Ukrainian marine corps.

Closer to Objectives: These twin victories bring Ukrainian forces closer to their primary goals in the south. Kyiv aims to free the cities of Melitopol and Mariupol from Russian occupation, while Russia strives to secure its overland supply routes into Crimea.

The Reserves Factor: Deciding the Outcome

Reserves Strategy: The impending clash emphasizes the pivotal role of reserves. The Ukrainian southern command utilized the 82nd Air Assault Brigade to achieve the Robotyne breakthrough. Now, the Kremlin is deploying its own reserve formations, illustrating the strategic importance of these units.

Strategic Redeployment: The 76th GAAD’s shift from the Kreminna sector to the Robotyne-Tokmak-Melitopol axis, as noted by a Ukrainian reserve officer, reflects its role as a strategic reserve unit. Despite this, the division has been actively engaged on the front lines throughout much of Russia’s wider war on Ukraine.

Battle History: The 76th GAAD’s Story

Front Line Presence: The division’s involvement from the early weeks of the wider conflict, including its participation in events such as the Bucha massacre in 2022, highlights its extensive front line experience.

Changing Tactics: After retreating from north-central Ukraine, the 76th GAAD shifted its battalions to southern Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast in an effort to halt Ukraine’s 2022 counteroffensive. Although it couldn’t entirely prevent the loss of territory, it inflicted heavy casualties on advancing Ukrainian forces.

The Kremlin’s Gamble: A High-Stakes Decision

All-In Strategy: The Kremlin’s decision to halt a Ukrainian attack through the deployment of the 76th GAAD underscores the gravity of the situation. While strengthening Russian operational capabilities, it also risks depleting combat-ready reserves crucial for rapid deployment.

Defensive Dilemma: The Institute for the Study of War warns that reinforcing one sector might weaken defenses in another. The lack of substantial operational reserves forces Russian commanders into complex decisions about priority sectors.

The Implication: A Precarious Balancing Act

Forcing Hard Choices: The crux of the matter lies in the implication of maintaining momentum. If the Ukrainians can sustain their southern advance, the Russians may find themselves cornered: choosing between holding the south or the east, potentially unable to effectively defend both.

Conclusion: A Tipping Point in the Conflict

As the Kremlin rushes reinforcements to southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the ongoing conflict reaches a tipping point. The battle’s outcome hinges on strategic maneuvering, operational reserves, and the determination of both sides. The world watches with bated breath as this critical axis becomes the epicenter of a geopolitical struggle.