Gabon’s military stages a coup, dissolves parliament and closes borders

The Gabonese president, who just declared victory in a contested election, was removed from power and placed under house arrest as a result of a coup. He has been associated with election fraud accusations since he started his rule 14 years ago. His family held power for more than 50 years. People celebrated on the streets after his removal.

From CNN:

The military’s power grab began Wednesday, shortly after Gabon’s election authority said Bongo had been re-elected president following last weekend’s election.

Men in army uniforms announced on national television that they had seized power. They said the election results were voided, all borders shut, and numerous government bodies dissolved, including both houses of parliament.

The coup leaders said Bongo had been placed under house arrest, surrounded by “family and doctors.” The ousted president’s son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, was arrested alongside six others for “high treason.”

A video aired by the Agence France-Presse news agency shows Bongo seated in what looks like a library, saying he was “at the residence” and didn’t know what was happening. “My son is somewhere, my wife is another place,” he said.

It was not immediately clear under what circumstances the clip was filmed.

Meanwhile, the junta named Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema — who was once the bodyguard of Bongo’s late father, the previous ruler of Gabon — as a transitional leader.

Speaking to French newspaper Le Monde on Wednesday, Oligui claimed Bongo was enjoying “all his rights” as a “normal Gabonese” citizen.

CNN provides the balance of the story here.

Category: International Affairs