Bright Dordzi
In a dramatic turn of events, military officers from Gabon have taken to the national airwaves to declare that they have seized control of the country’s governance.
Their announcement came alongside the decision to invalidate the outcome of the recent elections, which had previously confirmed President Ali Bongo as the victor.
The electoral commission had reported that President Bongo secured just under two-thirds of the votes, despite claims of fraudulence from the opposition.
If successful, this military action would break the 53-year stronghold that the Bongo family has maintained over Gabon’s leadership.
Renowned for its substantial oil production and extensive forest cover encompassing nearly 90% of its territory, Gabon made a unique move by joining the Commonwealth in June 2022, standing out as a former non-British colony member.
In a televised appearance, twelve soldiers took the stage, making an early Wednesday morning announcement of election result cancellation and the dissolution of “all institutions of the republic.”
Additionally, they declared the immediate closure of the country’s borders until further notice.
Subsequently, President Bongo was reportedly placed under house arrest, surrounded by his family and medical professionals, as confirmed by military officials in a subsequent broadcast.
The military further detailed the imminent replacement of President Bongo with Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the presidential guard. The government members implicated would also be held accountable following an investigation by the “competent authorities.”
This event marks the eighth coup to occur in former French colonies within Africa over the last three years. However, this particular coup stands as one of the most significant given Gabon’s strategic location.
The international community has reacted with concern and criticism. France, Russia, China, and the European Union have all expressed their reservations about the military intervention.
In response, French mining group Eramet ceased operations in Gabon due to security concerns. The coup’s initiators identify themselves as part of the Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions, representing Gabon’s security and defense forces.
One of the soldiers expressed their motive on Gabon 24, a local TV channel, stating, “We have decided to safeguard peace by ending the present regime.” This decision, the soldier argued, stemmed from “irresponsible and unpredictable governance,” causing the erosion of social cohesion and the looming threat of chaos.
Despite the military’s claim to control, reports of gunfire and resistance in the capital, Libreville, emerged, indicating that the situation might not be as resolved as initially stated.
As the story unfolds, Gabon’s citizens react with a mix of celebration and caution. The military urged citizens to return to their homes and avoid strategic areas in the city.
While the coup has brought immediate change, its ultimate implications for Gabon’s political landscape remain uncertain.
