Military coup in Gabon as officers claim to seize power
A group of senior military officers in Gabon have announced on national television that they have taken over the government, citing the lack of credibility of the recent general election. They said they represent all the security and defence forces of the country.
The officers declared that the election results were nullified, the state institutions were dissolved and the borders were closed until further notice. They said they acted in the name of the Gabonese people to restore peace and end the current regime.
The announcement was followed by heavy gunfire in the capital, Libreville, according to a Reuters reporter. The government could not be reached for comment.
The coup attempt comes after President Ali Bongo won a third term in office with 64.27% of the vote, according to the Gabonese election centre. The opposition denounced the election as fraudulent and demanded a recount. Bongo has been in power since 2009, succeeding his father who ruled for 42 years.
