Twelve army officers in Gabon made a dramatic appearance on national television, announcing their seizure of power and the annulment of the results of the recent presidential election. This move comes in the wake of widespread controversy surrounding the election, in which President Ali Bongo was declared the winner by the electoral commission.
President Ali Bongo, who succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, in 2009, had been declared the victor of Saturday’s election, securing just under two-thirds of the votes. However, the opposition vehemently contested the results, alleging widespread irregularities and fraud.
The soldiers, who appeared resolute and determined, declared on Gabonese TV channel Gabon 24 that they were taking control of the country and dissolving “all the institutions of the republic.” One officer explained their actions by stating, “We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime.” He further cited reasons for their intervention, attributing it to “irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos.”
This move by the military has sent shockwaves across the nation and the international community, potentially bringing an end to the Bongo family’s 53-year grip on power in Gabon. Ali Bongo’s presidency had already faced challenges, particularly after suffering a debilitating stroke in 2018, which incapacitated him for nearly a year. This health crisis had led to calls for him to step aside due to concerns about his ability to govern effectively.
Moreover, the previous year witnessed a failed coup attempt, involving mutinying soldiers who were subsequently imprisoned. These events had exposed growing discontent and divisions within the military and the broader Gabonese society.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Gabon, with calls for a peaceful resolution and respect for democratic processes. The United Nations, the African Union, and various world leaders have expressed concern over the military’s intervention and called for restraint.
As Gabon stands at a critical crossroads, the nation’s future remains uncertain. The actions of these army officers raise significant questions about the stability of the country and its democratic institutions. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Gabon will find a peaceful path forward or descend further into turmoil.
