Military officers in Gabon have staged a surprising coup, seizing power from President Ali Bongo Ondimba and posing a threat to the president’s family’s long-standing rule over the nation. The coup was announced on national television by men in army uniform who declared the president’s house arrest and triggered celebrations and reports of gunfire on the streets of the capital. The international community condemned the coup, and there were reports of the president’s son, Nourredin Bongo Valentin, being arrested for “high treason.” The president himself was shown in a video asking his “friends” to take action, though it remains unclear under what circumstances the video was made.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the coup, stated that military generals would meet to elect a leader for the transition of power but did not declare himself the new head of state. He also claimed that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had been “retired” and was enjoying his rights as a citizen. The military officers announced on television that the election results would be voided and the country’s borders would be closed, while urging the Gabonese people to remain calm.
The coup prompted celebrations on the streets of Gabon’s capital, with people seen dancing and waving flags. However, criticism of the coup came from around the world, with France and the United States advising their citizens to take precautions. The coup in Gabon is the latest in a series of coups that have occurred in former French colonies, undermining democratic progress.
President Ali Bongo Ondimba had been declared the winner of the presidential election, but the opposition denounced the election as fraudulent. Bongo took over from his father, who had ruled the country for nearly 42 years, and faced 18 challengers in this week’s election.
Gabon has a history of power struggles and unrest, with previous instances of protests and a failed coup attempt in 2019.
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