Coup in Gabon: Senior Gabonese military officers appeared on national television this morning to announce that they have taken power. As it stands, deposed President Ali Bongo’s rule has come to an end, bringing an end to the 56-year-long rule of the Bongo family, who have ruled Gabon since 1967. But what do we know so far?
The group of 12 officers made the announcement shortly after Gabon’s election body reported earlier today, Wednesday morning, that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had won a third term in office. The coup certainly puts a fresh spotlight on the underlying frustrations of citizens in African countries associated with France. This comes in light of similar events in Niger, where France is currently in a standoff, threatening military action.
Who is in charge?
As of now, the military has taken control of Gabon, ousting President Ali Bongo who had been in power for 14 years following his father’s rule. The military leaders have not yet officially declared themselves as a governing body. However, those who spoke on TV announcing the coup stated that they were representing a “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions”.
Why has this happened?
The statement from the coup leaders, read by one of the soldiers on the Gabon 24 TV channel, mentioned that the decision to take action was due to “irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos… we have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime”.
The trigger for this coup appears to be the announcement of Bongo’s re-election earlier today. Gabon’s electoral commission declared Ali Bongo as the winner with 64.27% of the vote, following a contested electoral process during which the Bongo government shut down the internet and suppressed media.
What’s the situation on the ground in Gabon?
The situation in Gabon remains fluid and tense. However, emerging reports indicate that people have started taking to the streets in Gabon to celebrate with the military. Media reports suggest that people, perhaps after weathering the early moments of uncertainty and potential violence, are now emerging from their homes, taking to the streets in celebration of the coup.
Whereabouts of President Bongo Unknown
Nevertheless, there are also reports that the military individuals who announced the coup on TV have arrested several government officials. The whereabouts of President Ali Bongo remain unknown, leaving uncertainty about whether the military is holding him in custody.
Internet Restored in Gabon
Internet services, which were suspended for three days, have been restored in Gabon, according to the AFP news agency. A nationwide internet shutdown was imposed by President Ali Bongo’s government as polling drew to a close late Saturday, under the pretext of preventing the spread of “false news” and possible violence.
Gabon’s Borders ‘Closed Until Further Notice’
In their announcement on the state-run Gabon 24 television channel, the soldiers also stated that Gabon’s borders have been indefinitely closed “until further notice”. One of the soldiers, speaking on behalf of the “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions”, announced, “The borders are closed until further notice.”
How Is the International Community Reacting?
The international response to the coup in Gabon has been mixed. While some countries have expressed concern over the military’s intervention and called for a peaceful resolution, others have remained relatively silent.
France following with the “Greatest attention”
France, which had supported the Bongo family’s regime, is now facing questions about its role in enabling a dynastic rule that undermined democratic processes. After initially staying silent since the coup was announced this morning, French authorities have finally commented.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne stated that Paris was following events in Gabon “with the greatest attention”. This marks the first reaction from France, Gabon’s former colonial power, whose influence and interests in Africa have been challenged by recent coups that have overthrown friendly governments.
China urges ‘dialogue’
China, too, has issued a statement, urging “all sides” in Gabon to ensure the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called on all parties in Gabon to prioritize the country’s basic interests and people’s welfare, resolving differences through dialogue and restoring normal order promptly. Wang also called for the protection of President Bongo’s personal safety and the upholding of national peace and stability.
EU: This is big issue for Europe
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says defence ministers from the bloc are to discuss the situation in Gabon.
Speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Toledo, Borrell said, “If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region.”
“The whole area, starting with Central African Republic, then Mali, then Burkina Faso, now Niger, maybe Gabon, it’s in a very difficult situation and certainly the ministers … have to have a deep thought on what is going on there and how we can improve our policy in respect with these countries,” he said.
