Gabon Military Elements Declare Coup, Attempts Overthrow of President Ali Bongo

Jakarta, Indonesia - On Saturday, specifically the 26h of August, the nation of Gabon saw the legal extension of President Ali Bongo’s leadership over the country, securing a third term and defeating his opponent Albert Ondo Ossa. According to the Gabonese Election Centre, President Bongo won 64.27% of the vote, while Mr. Ossa only secured 30.77% of the vote. President Ali Bongo himself comes from a very prominent political dynasty in Gabon, as his father Omar Bongo was President for decades until his death, immediately being replaced by Mr. Ali Bongo.

The electoral process was considered by the opposition to be fraudulent, with the opposition camp accusing the government of interfering with the election process. This is claimed due to the government’s usage of internet blackouts and curfews near the election date, using the justification of stopping the spread of “false news”, according to news station Al Jazeera.

Just as the solidification of the Bongo family’s power seemed certain however, military officers of the Gabonese army declared a coup d’etat against the government, broadcasting the announcement on local news station Gabon 24. This coup d’etat came very fast after the Gabonese Election Centre certified the results of the votes, announcing it to the public.

“In the name of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions, we have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime.” A military officer was accompanied by dozens of other military officers on air, translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

“To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled.” The military officer continued. The Brawijaya Times is still determining the exact identity of the military officer serving as spokesperson.

These military officers declared the establishment of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of the Institutions (CTRI) as the new caretaker government of Gabon, signalling the start of a government administered by the Gabonese military. It is still currently unknown whether or not the military would directly lead this government or if there will be coordination with civilian elements from the opposition. The official leader of the government is also still unknown.

The international community has paid attention to this development, with the European Union showing concern due to another coup happening in the African region, China imploring the guarantee of the safety of President Bongo, and France closely following the situation.

The coup in Gabon comes almost exactly a month after the coup in Niger, giving the international community some cause for concern regarding the stability of the African region.

Some members of the civilian population have seemingly welcomed the coup, taking to the streets to celebrate the apparent end of the current government.

Reports of the arrest of officials of President Bongo’s government have come out, but the current condition of President Bongo himself is unknown.

This is a developing news story, and will be subject to further updates.