Military Coup Ousts President in Gabon
Gabon, a central African nation, has been thrown into turmoil as a military coup unseated President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had been ruling the country for nearly 14 years. The coup came just minutes after Bongo was declared the winner of a contested election, which had been marred by accusations of fraud and corruption. Following the coup, residents in the capital city celebrated and embraced the soldiers on the streets.
Reports indicate that Bongo has been placed under house arrest and his son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, has been arrested for “high treason.” The coup leaders have dissolved various government bodies, closed the borders, and effectively shut down the government. International leaders have expressed concern and condemnation of the coup, urging their citizens in Gabon to stay indoors.
The military’s power grab began shortly after the election authority announced Bongo’s re-election. Soldiers in army uniforms appeared on national television, voided the election results, and declared the seizure of power. They named General Brice Oligui Nguema, a former bodyguard of Bongo’s late father, as the transitional leader. Videos of celebrations in Gabon circulated online, showing residents dancing on the streets and soldiers carrying Oligui on their shoulders.
Many questions remain about the future of Gabon. The junta has stated its intention to restore the country’s constitutional court, resume domestic flights, and establish transitional institutions. It is expected to swear in Oligui as the transitional president before the constitutional court on Monday. The military has imposed a curfew and closed national borders indefinitely. However, international radio and television channels have been ordered to be restored.
Gabon’s main opposition members have expressed gratitude to the military but called for the resumption of the election process. They are urging the coup leaders to complete the vote count and declare victory for Bongo’s main challenger in the election. It is uncertain what will happen to Bongo and his family, as well as the implications of the coup for Gabon’s international standing and diplomatic relationships.
The Bongo family, who has ruled over Gabon for more than half a century, has faced criticism for the country’s significant wealth gap. Reports indicate that the family owns numerous properties in France and has substantial financial assets. Each of Ali Bongo’s three election victories has been disputed, and this week’s election has been denounced by the opposition as fraudulent.
The coup in Gabon has been widely condemned by African nations and the international community. The African Union has suspended Gabon from participating in its activities until constitutional order is restored. The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has also condemned the takeover and called for dialogue to return the country to civilian rule.
Leaders from various countries, including the United Nations, United States, and European Union, have expressed their opposition to the coup and urged the preservation of civilian rule. The US embassy in Gabon has advised its citizens to stay indoors and make contingency plans for evacuation.
The future of Gabon remains uncertain, and the implications of the coup are yet to be fully understood. The country’s political landscape and international relationships hang in the balance as the situation continues to unfold.