White House alarmed by Gabon’s military coup.
Gabon’s senior military leadership has seized power in the small, Central African nation, announcing on August 30th that they have nullified the results of the recent presidential election and imposed travel restrictions.
Gabonese President Ali Bongo secured a third term in office on August 30th, extending his family’s 56-year rule over the nation amidst widespread reports of election fraud.
The military swiftly took control of key government buildings in the capital city of Libreville immediately after the announcement, placing Mr. Bongo under house arrest.
Shortly after, a group of senior Gabonese military officers appeared on television, declaring that they have taken control.
US Watching Coup Closely
Gabon is situated on the Gulf of Guinea, a region that has witnessed six successful coups in the past three years. Since 1950, Africa has experienced a total of 106 successful coups.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that it is too early to label these coups as a trend. However, he emphasized that the Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation in Gabon.
“We’re closely monitoring this situation,” Mr. Kirby said during a press call. “Given that it all unfolded overnight, we don’t have definitive conclusions at this time.
“This attempted military takeover, which is the latest in a region plagued by coup attempts and unconstitutional power seizures, is deeply concerning to us.”
Mr. Kirby assured that all U.S. Embassy staff and military personnel in Gabon are safe and accounted for. He affirmed that the Biden administration will continue to prioritize the promotion of democracy in Africa, regardless of the outcome of the current events.
“We will continue to support the people in the region, the people of Gabon, and their demand for democratic governance,” Mr. Kirby stated.
Gabon Braces for Violence
The military officials who have seized power claim to represent the entirety of Gabon’s security and defense forces. They have invalidated the presidential election results, closed the borders, and dissolved all government institutions until further notice.
The junta has appointed Brice Oligui, a commander of the Republican Guard, as interim president.
The Gabonese Election Center (CGE) officially declared Mr. Bongo’s victory in the early hours of August 30th, following a delayed general election in which Mr. Bongo’s opponent, Ondo Ossa, alleged electoral fraud.
While Mr. Bongo’s team denies any irregularities, the authorities implemented measures such as internet shutdowns, a nighttime curfew, and the suspension of certain foreign broadcasts in the lead-up to the election.
Since gaining independence from France 63 years ago, Gabon has experienced several coups, and violence has marred the outcome of every presidential election since 1990, when the nation adopted a democratic constitution and a multi-party electoral system.
In 2019, the military briefly seized control of the Gabonese state radio station, expressing their dissatisfaction with Mr. Bongo.
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