military officers in Gabon have declared a coup, seizing power from President Ali Bongo Ondimba and threatening the family’s long-standing rule over the country. The officers appeared on national television to announce the president’s house arrest, leading to celebrations and reports of gunfire in the capital. The junta spokesperson stated that Bongo is being kept under house arrest and that General Brice Oligui Nguema would act as a transitional leader. The junta also announced the arrest of Bongo’s son and six others for “high treason.” The president was seen in a video asking for help, stating that he doesn’t know what is happening. The situation remains unclear, and it is unknown if the president is under house arrest. The military officers claimed to represent the defense and security forces and declared the election results void. The African Union and other countries have condemned the coup, calling for a return to democratic order. The US Embassy advised its citizens to shelter, and France urged its citizens to limit travel. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the coup attempt and called for restraint. This coup is the latest in a series of coups in former French colonies that have undermined democratic progress. The election body had previously announced Bongo as the winner of the presidential election, but the opposition denounced it as fraudulent. Bongo took over from his father, who ruled the country for 42 years. The elder Bongo imposed a one-party system and only allowed multi-party rule in 1991. Ali Bongo began his political career in 1981 and became president in 2009. The election had 18 challengers, with tensions running high and concerns about transparency. The Gabonese government was criticized for obstructing foreign press coverage of the event.Military Officers Seize Power in Gabon in Stunning Coup
In a surprising turn of events, military officers in Gabon have declared that they are taking control of the country from President Ali Bongo Ondimba, threatening the family’s long-standing rule over the central African nation. The coup was announced on national television by men in army uniform, who also revealed that the president has been placed under house arrest. The news of the military takeover has sparked celebrations and reports of gunfire on the streets of the capital, Libreville, but has been met with condemnation from overseas.
An unnamed spokesperson for the junta stated on state TV that Ali Bongo Ondimba is being kept under house arrest and is surrounded by his family and doctors. The junta later announced that General Brice Oligui Nguema would act as a transitional leader. Speaking on national television, surrounded by fellow soldiers, a spokesperson for the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) declared that Oligui had been unanimously designated as the president of the transition.
The junta’s spokesperson also revealed that authorities will be investigating charges against the president’s son, Nourredin Bongo Valentin, who was arrested for “high treason” along with six other individuals. The Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency aired a video of the president asking his “friends” to ”make noise” following his house arrest. In the video, Bongo stated that he is unaware of what is happening and that his son and wife are in different locations. It remains unclear under what circumstances the video was made.
Meanwhile, AFP showed video footage of soldiers in the capital celebrating in support of coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema. Oligui told French newspaper Le Monde that military generals would meet to elect a leader for the transition of power. He also stated that President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been “retired” and is enjoying all his rights as a “normal Gabonese” citizen. However, he refused to confirm if the president is under house arrest.
The military officers, claiming to represent “defense and security forces” in the country, made the announcement in a televised address on news channel Gabon24. The video has not been
What are the mixed reactions from the citizens in response to the coup in Gabon?
The coup led to celebrations and reports of gunfire in the capital, indicating the mixed reactions from the citizens.
According to the junta spokesperson, General Brice Oligui Nguema will serve as the transitional leader while President Bongo remains under house arrest. Furthermore, the junta has arrested Bongo’s son and six others on charges of “high treason.” In a video, President Bongo can be seen asking for help, as he claims to be unaware of what is happening. However, the situation regarding whether he is truly under house arrest remains unclear.
The military officers, claiming to represent the defense and security forces, declared the election results void. This move has been condemned by the African Union and other countries, who are calling for a return to democratic order. The US Embassy has advised its citizens to seek shelter, while France has urged its citizens to limit travel as precautionary measures.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also condemned the coup attempt and emphasized the need for restraint. This coup is the latest in a series of coups in former French colonies that have undermined democratic progress.
The election body had previously announced Bongo as the winner of the presidential election, but the opposition denounced it as fraudulent. Ali Bongo succeeded his father, who ruled the country for 42 years, and brought about the end of a one-party system in 1991. Bongo himself began his political career in 1981 and became president in 2009. The election, observing 18 challengers, was marked by high tensions and concerns regarding transparency. The Gabonese government faced criticism for restricting foreign press coverage of the event.
Wow, this news is both shocking and concerning. The stability of Gabon is now uncertain with the military taking control.
I hope the situation in Gabon is resolved peacefully and swiftly. The well-being and safety of the Gabonese people should be the top priority.