The central African nation of Gabon is witnessing a momentous turn of events as military officers have declared the seizure of power from President Ali Bongo Ondimba, potentially marking the end of the family's decades-long rule. The coup unfolded on Wednesday, with soldiers in uniform appearing on national television to announce the president's house arrest during their takeover. While this development has triggered celebrations on the streets of the capital, Libreville, it has also drawn swift condemnation from abroad.
An unnamed junta spokesperson, speaking on state TV, confirmed that Ali Bongo Ondimba was under house arrest and surrounded by his family and doctors. The coup leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, garnered support from soldiers in the capital, as they jubilantly chanted "president."
This dramatic announcement came mere minutes after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared the victor of a hotly contested election. The military officers, representing themselves as the "defense and security forces" of the country, made their declaration on news channel Gabon24, broadcasted on social media.
The military officer stated, "On behalf of the Gabonese people and as guarantors 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."
In the televised broadcast, the military officer also declared the nullification of election results and the closure of the country's borders. All key institutions, including the government, Senate, National Assembly, Constitutional Court, Economic and Social and Environmental Council, and the Elections Council of Gabon, were declared dissolved.
As gunfire rang out in the capital Libreville, the streets witnessed scenes of jubilation, with people dancing and celebrating the developments, as captured in videos shared on social media.
The international community swiftly responded to the coup. France's government spokesperson, Olivier Veran, condemned the "military coup d’etat that is underway in Gabon," expressing concern over the situation's evolution and the need to respect the election results.
This coup in Gabon adds to a worrying trend in former French colonies, with nine coups occurring in the past three years, eroding democratic progress in these nations. Most recently, Niger experienced a military takeover, leading to its suspension from the African Union.
Earlier on Wednesday, Gabon's election body had announced that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had secured a victory with 64.27% of the vote, following a contentious election marred by delays and allegations of fraud by the opposition.
Ali Bongo, who took office in 2009, succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled Gabon since 1967. The elder Bongo had maintained a firm grip on power, only allowing multi-party rule in 1991.
This recent election featured 18 challengers, with many in the opposition pushing for change in the oil-rich but impoverished nation of 2.3 million. Tensions ran high following the vote, with international observers highlighting transparency concerns.
The situation in Gabon has prompted international concerns, with the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, noting the potential for increased instability in the region. This development calls for a deeper evaluation of policies in the affected countries, including Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and now, Gabon.
Gabon has faced previous instances of unrest over President Bongo's rule, including violent protests in 2016 and a coup attempt in 2019, highlighting ongoing political instability in the nation.