Military leaders stage coup in Central African nation, pledge to dismantle all state institutions.
Top Military Leaders Declare Coup in Gabon Following Controversial Election
Amid allegations of a fraudulent election, military leaders in Gabon, a central African nation, have declared a coup shortly after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was re-elected. This marks the eighth coup in the region since 2020 if successful, according to Reuters.
“Today the country is undergoing a severe institutional, political, economic, and social crisis,” the military officers said in a video message announcing the attempted coup. “On behalf of the Gabonese people and guarantor of the protection of institutions, CTRI [the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions] has decided to defend peace by putting an end to the regime in place,” an officer added.
The coup leaders have detained President Bongo and canceled the election results. Bongo’s inner circle has also been arrested on charges of betrayal and embezzlement.
Despite Bongo’s call for his supporters to “make noise,” the demonstrations in the streets seem to be in support of the military coup, with crowds celebrating and thanking the army.
General Brice Oligui Nguema Named Leader of the Military Junta
General Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the Republican Guard unit responsible for protecting the president, has been named the leader of the military junta and transitional government. He is reportedly the cousin of President Bongo. Footage shows him being paraded through the streets while fellow soldiers cheer and civilians shout “freedom,” according to The New York Times.
In the controversial election, Bongo was declared the winner with 65% of the vote. However, the election was widely viewed as fraudulent due to various irregularities and the government’s actions to limit transparency.
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The coup in Gabon follows a similar power seizure in Niger last month, highlighting the ongoing political instability in the region.
Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, a significant portion of the population lives in poverty. The events in Gabon have drawn international concern, with the White House expressing deep concern and pledging support for the people’s demand for democratic governance.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Gabon remains uncertain, with the military junta now in control.
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