In Gabon, the military has announced the seizure of power, shortly after the country's Electoral Commission declared the incumbent President, Ali Bongo Ondimba, reelected for a third term.
A group of high-ranking officers, representing all branches of the armed forces, made their discontent with the election results public on Gabon 24 TV channel, asserting their annulment. They have declared the closure of Gabon's borders and the disbandment of governmental institutions.
The officers emphasized their aim to terminate the current regime in the interest of maintaining peace. There has been no official response yet from President Ali Bongo Ondimba or the government. Reports indicate gunfire in the capital city, Libreville.
This follows a prior coup attempt in January 2019 that was suppressed. Ali Bongo Ondimba assumed the presidency in 2009 after his father's rule since 1967. Gabon holds a notable economic stability in Africa and serves as a substantial oil exporter.
The country has a population of approximately 2.2 mn people.
Comments (0)