LAGOS, Nigeria - In a recent development, a group of military officers in Gabon has taken control of the government and detained President Ali Bongo Ondimba. This action comes shortly after the election commission declared Bongo the winner of a controversial third term in the oil-rich Central African nation.
The streets of the capital city, Libreville, quickly filled with hundreds of people, jubilantly embracing soldiers and signaling their approval of the likely end to Bongo's rule. This coup marks the eighth such incident in West and Central Africa in just three years.
On Wednesday morning, mirroring events seen in the region previously, soldiers took to state television, announcing the dissolution of the government and institutions and the cancellation of the contentious election held last Saturday.
A spokesperson for the coup leaders stated, "In the name of the Gabonese people ... we've decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime," while introducing a new transition body, the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions. Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the presidential guard and a cousin of Bongo, has been designated as the leader of the transition government.
President Bongo had been in power since 2009 and was set to extend his 14-year rule following the announcement of his re-election. However, the election was marred by irregularities and a lack of transparency, drawing condemnation from the opposition. On election day, the government enforced an internet blackout under the guise of combating misinformation.
Following the electoral commission's declaration of Bongo's victory with 64% of the vote, the president was swiftly detained. His family has governed Gabon since 1967, and allegations of widespread corruption persist despite the nation's considerable oil wealth. According to the World Bank, nearly 40% of Gabon's young population between the ages of 15 and 24 face unemployment, and over 30% of the population lives in poverty.
The United States has expressed deep concern over the military takeover, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasizing their commitment to supporting democracy in Africa. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned the coup attempt and called for restraint, inclusive dialogue, and the protection of the president's physical integrity.
Gabon is the latest former French colony in West and Central Africa to experience a military takeover, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with French political and economic influence in these nations. This marks Gabon's second coup attempt; a prior effort was swiftly quashed in 2019 when soldiers took over the state radio broadcaster.
The situation in Gabon continues to evolve, with international observers closely monitoring developments as the nation grapples with political instability.
