In the wake of a military coup in Gabon, President Ali Bongo Ondimba has released an official statement addressing the unfolding situation.
Watch: Ali Bongo Ondimba claims he’s under house arrest
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
The oil-rich central African nation has been plunged into uncertainty following disputed elections that led to rebel officers seizing power.
President Bongo, who has been in power since 2009 and hails from a family that has ruled Gabon for over five decades, found himself under house arrest as the military takeover unfolded.
In addition, one of his sons was arrested on charges of treason, per France24.
The coup leaders declared the dissolution of “all the institutions of the republic,” the nullification of election results, and the closure of national borders in a pre-dawn announcement.
The move comes after controversial elections in which Bongo was declared the victor amid claims of fraud and a lack of transparency.
The military’s statement, read on state TV by an officer flanked by a group of army colonels and elite Republican Guard members, highlighted a multifaceted crisis plaguing the country.
The elections were alleged to have fallen short of the “transparent, credible, and inclusive ballot” desired by the people of Gabon.
The statement also criticised what it referred to as “irresponsible and unpredictable governance,” leading to social deterioration and the potential for chaos.
The Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), speaking on behalf of the people of Gabon, asserted its intention to defend peace by ending the current regime.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the Republican Guard, was seen being hailed by soldiers as “Oligui president.”
Gabon coup latest news: High-level politicians arrested
The military coup resulted in the arrest of several high-profile figures, including Bongo’s son and close advisor Noureddin Bongo Valentin, Chief of Staff Ian Ghislain Ngoulou, and two top officials in the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG).
The detainees face a range of charges, including treason, corruption, and embezzlement.
Gabon’s political landscape has been characterised by the extended rule of the Bongo family. Omar Bongo, Ali Bongo’s father, governed the country for over four decades.
The nation’s latest turmoil follows a pattern of political upheaval seen in other African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
International responses to the situation in Gabon have been varied. France, which has a historical connection to Gabon, has expressed concern and maintains a military presence in the nation.
Russia expressed deep concern, while China called for dialogue and the restoration of normalcy.
When this article was published, South Africa had not issued an official statement on the Gabon coup.