Military seizes power in central African country of Gabon
Soldiers in army uniforms appeared on national television and announced the president’s house arrest and the military’s takeover of power
LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Military forces have staged a coup d’état in the central African country of Gabon, ousting President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Soldiers in army uniforms appeared on national television and announced the president’s house arrest and the military’s takeover of power.
Cheers erupted in the streets of the capital, Libreville, while international condemnation followed.
The junta’s spokesman said Ali Bongo Ondimba was under house arrest, surrounded by his family and doctors.
The coup came shortly after Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election.
The military officers, posing as representatives of the “defense and security forces,” dissolved various state institutions and declared the election results invalid.
France condemned the coup, while the European Union expressed concern about increasing instability in the region.
The coup in Gabon joins a series of coups in West and Central Africa, including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The jubilation in the streets and support for these military coups against democratic governments is a cause for concern in the region.
Observers say the so-called democratic governments have become unpopular because of promoting foreign powers, particularly France.
Gabon is one of 14 countries that are close to France in the region.
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