Gabon "insists it is ready to host the African Cup of Nations despite concern about the state of preparations" amid political instability "just one month ahead of the opening ceremony," according to THE NATIONAL. The tournament is due to run from Jan. 14-Feb. 5 "but was thrown into doubt after violence broke out following President Ali Bongo’s controversial re-election in August." Four cities will host the tournament and "unrest was reported in at least two of them" including Oyem, the northern city close to Cameroon, where delays in work on the football stadium are "causing problems." In September, Sports Minister Nicole Assele expressed her "concerns" when visiting the new stadium where the group made up of African champion Ivory Coast, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Togo will play. Assele was left in doubt over the "finishing of the changing rooms, the lifts and the exterior of the stadium," while Gabon daily newspaper L’Union, which covered her visit, reported that "the stadium had yet to be connected to electricity and running potable water." Another group will be based in Franceville, where Assele said the stadium is "well prepared" and "ready for kick-off." In Libreville, Amitie Stadium "should be operational for the two opening day matches" on Jan. 14. However the fourth host city, Gabon’s main seaport, Port-Gentil, "presents logistical and other challenges" for the organizers because it is an island with "no bridge connecting it to the mainland" (THE NATIONAL, 12/14).
