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This article is an attempt to provide elements for understanding the coup d’État in Gabon on 30 August 2023. It uses materials collected through observation in Libreville, especially through the official media, the opinion press and networks to show that the death of Omar Bongo weakened the inter- and intra-family links that was a major feature of his power. This situation favored the confiscation of power by the Bongo Valentin clan following Ali Bongo’s stroke with the aim of establishing a new dynasty. To achieve this, it was necessary to neutralise anyone who might constitute an opposing power : siblings, the other “big families”, political adversaries and civil society. This situation caused the collapse of the state and exacerbated resentment against the power of Ali Bongo. The intervention of the army therefore appeared to be a “national liberation” at the same time as it restored the patrimonialism that was the foundation of the Bongo regime.