Gabon: Gabonese army officers have reportedly taken power over the nation. They have appeared on national television to announce it.
It comes after the state election body announced that President Mr. Ali Bongo had won a third term. But the opposition argued it was fraudulent.
These officers claimed to represent all security and defence forces in the Central African nation during the announcement. They declared the cancellation of election results, the immediate closure of all borders, and the dissolution of state institutions.
“We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime,” one of the soldiers stated.
As with past general elections in Gabon, there were significant concerns about the process during the vote.
The main opposition candidate, Mr. Albert Ondo Ossa, expressed concerns that numerous polling stations didn’t have ballot papers with his name on them. Additionally, the coalition he belongs to pointed out that the names of some candidates who had withdrawn from the presidential race were still on the ballot.
After the polls closed, the government declared a curfew and suspended internet access, citing security concerns.
Opponents disputed both of Mr. Bongo’s previous victories, alleging fraud. This time, there were controversial alterations made to voting papers just weeks before election day.
Mr. Bongo took power in 2009 following his father Mr. Omar’s death. In 2018, he experienced a stroke that kept him out of action for nearly a year, prompting calls for his resignation. The following year, a failed coup attempt saw mutinying soldiers sent to prison, as per the statement.
TOP PICK | Pakistan’s Alvi denies approval of controversial military power bills
