Gabon : Confusion After Election

In a close to five minutes address, a military officer flanked by ten others from the Gendarme, Presidential Guard, other elements and a civilian has stated that they have taken over power in Gabon. They said: “…On behalf of the defence and security forces united within the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), on behalf of the Gabonese people and guarantor of the protection of institutions, have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the present regime. To this effect, general elections of August 26, 2023 as well as manipulated results have been cancelled, all frontiers closed till further notice, the dissolution of all State institutions notably; the Government, Senate, National Assembly, Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council as well as the manipulated results. We call on the international community, regional organizations and all other actors to support our legal decision…”  the military officer noted.
The announcement which came just a few minutes after President Ali Bongo was declared winner of the August 26, 2023 presidential election has left many confused. At press time, the head of the military junta was yet to address the nation and the whereabouts of the ousted 
President Ali Bongo was unknown. Some reports by RFI and CBS news say the President has been arrested and detained in the Presidential palace with his wife, children and medical doc...