Military Seizes Power in Gabon Following Election
A group of army officers in Gabon announced on national television that they had seized power in the Central African nation following the recent presidential election. President Ali Bongo had been re-elected for a third term in an election that the opposition had denounced as fraudulent. The officers declared the annulment of the election results and the dissolution of all the institutions of the republic. They identified themselves as members of the Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) and cited concerns about the current regime’s governance and its impact on social cohesion.
Key Points:
- The military officers took control of Gabon following President Ali Bongo’s re-election to a third term. The opposition had criticized the election results as fraudulent.
- The officers, part of the Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), declared the annulment of the election results and the dissolution of all national institutions.
- The military cited concerns about the current regime’s governance, which they described as irresponsible and leading to a deterioration in social cohesion that could result in chaos.
- The officers also announced the closure of the country’s borders.
- President Bongo’s re-election had been declared by the Gabonese Election Centre (CGE) with 64.27% of the votes cast.
- Tensions and fears of unrest had been high in Gabon following the election, resulting in a night-time curfew and an internet shutdown.
- President Ali Bongo had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father Omar Bongo, who had ruled the country for 42 years. Ali Bongo suffered a stroke in 2018, leading to calls for him to step aside.
The situation in Gabon remains fluid and complex, and developments are likely to unfold rapidly. It’s important to stay updated through reliable news sources for the latest information on this issue.
