A group of high-ranking Gabonese military leaders appeared on TV and said they took control because they believe the recent election wasn’t fair. They claim to speak for all of Gabon’s security and defense forces.
They canceled the election results, closed the borders for now, and shut down government offices. After their TV announcement, there were loud gun sounds in the capital city, Libreville, a Reuters reporter mentioned.
It was not immediately possible to reach the government for comment.
“In the name of the Gabonese people … we have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,” the officers said on television.
Ali Bongo, Gabon’s current president, secured his third term in the presidential election, garnering 64.27% of the vote. The Gabonese election center announced this outcome on Wednesday.
The general election, marred by delays, was criticized by the opposition for alleged fraud.
