A group of army officers in Gabon announced on national television on August 30, 2023 that they had taken power. They said they were annulling the results of the August 27 presidential election, in which President Ali Bongo was declared the winner.
The coup leaders are calling themselves the Committee of Transition for the Restoration of Institutions. They say they are taking power because Bongo's government has "lost legitimacy". They have closed the country's borders and declared a curfew. They have called on the international community to support their "democratic transition".
Bongo remains under house arrest, but it is unclear if he is still in control of the government. The coup leaders have said they will hold elections within 12 months.
The coup attempt is the latest in a series of political crises in Gabon. Bongo has been in power since 2009, and his rule has been marked by allegations of corruption and nepotism. The opposition has accused Bongo of rigging the 2016 and 2023 elections.
The coup attempt has raised concerns about the stability of Gabon, which is a major oil producer. The international community has condemned the coup attempt and called for Bongo's release.
It remains to be seen what will happen in Gabon in the coming days and weeks. The coup attempt has created a power vacuum, and it is unclear who will emerge as the next leader of the country.
The coup attempt in Gabon is a major development in Gabonese politics. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved, but it is clear that the country is facing a serious political crisis.
