The military of Gabon has declared a coup, overthrowing President Ali Bongo shortly after he was declared the winner of Saturday’s election.
Bongo, who had assumed power in 2009 after his father’s passing, secured a third term in an election that faced strong opposition claims of irregularities.
Saturday’s combined presidential, parliamentary, and legislative vote had heightened tensions, with concerns over potential unrest.
Bongo aimed to extend his family’s long-standing 56-year rule in the resource-rich yet economically challenged nation, while the opposition sought change Transparency issues plagued the electoral process, drawing global attention.
The absence of international observers, suspension of foreign broadcasts, internet shutdowns, and a nationwide curfew after the polls raised doubts about the fairness of the proceedings.
Reports indicate that soldiers appeared on Gabonese national television to proclaim their takeover of power and the invalidation of the election results.
This development unfolds as the crisis in Niger Republic is being addressed following the ousting of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), are yet to react to the situation.
