Officers in Gabon Announce Coup, Says Bongo’s Re-Election Lacks Credibility

Army officers in Gabon have appeared on national television to say they have taken power. Twelve soldiers appeared on television to make the announcement on Wednesday, saying that the recent election results have been cancelled and “all the institutions of the republic” dissolved.

The president, Ali Bongo, was reelected on Saturday, under two-thirds of the votes in an election the opposition argued was fraudulent. His overthrow will end his family’s 53-year hold on power in Gabon.

The Soldiers who introduced themselves as members of the CTRI (The Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions) said “We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the regime in power.”

Bongo who has been in power for 14 years, was first elected in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled the country for 41 years.

During the announcement, an officer said “We call for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora. “We reaffirm our commitments to the national and international community.”

“People of Gabon, we are finally on the road to happiness.” They added that the country’s border will be closed “until further notice.”

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