A group of senior Gabonese military officers have announced the seizure of power.
The officers claimed to represent all of Gabon’s security and defence forces, asserting their authority over the nation.
During their televised address, the officers declared the cancellation of the election results, closed all borders until further notice, and dissolved state institutions.
Gunfire could be heard in the capital city, Libreville, as tensions escalated following the officers’ announcement, according to a Reuters reporter.
Speaking on behalf of the Gabonese people, the officers expressed their determination to safeguard peace by bringing an end to the current regime.
According to the military officers, their actions reflect widespread discontent and dissatisfaction with the electoral process and the administration of President Ali Bongo.
The incumbent leader, President Bongo emerged victorious in the presidential election, securing a third term with 64.27% of the vote, according to the Gabonese election center.
If successful, the coup would represent the eighth in west and central Africa since 2020.
Bongo, 64, succeeded his father Omar as president in 2009.
His overthrow would end his family’s 53-year hold on power in Gabon.
Bongo has been in power for 14 years in the oil-rich West African country.
He was first elected in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled the country for 41 years.
The full statement reads:
“Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace.
“Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis.
“We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of 26 August 2023 did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon.
“Today, 30 August 2023, we — the defence and security forces, gathered as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions’ protection — have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime.
“To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled.
“The borders are closed until further notice.
“All the institutions of the Republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the Gabonese Elections Centre.
“We call for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora.
“We reaffirm our commitment to respecting Gabon’s commitments to the national and international community.
“People of Gabon, we are finally on the road to happiness.
“May God and the spirits of our ancestors bless Gabon. Honour and loyalty to our homeland.
“Thank you
