Coup In Gabon: Armed Forces Take Control of Gabon Following Election, Gives Reason

Get current updates on the Coup in Gabon. Find out which army officers ordered the cancellation of the election and what this means for the country. Learn latest developments after the announcement of a Coup in Gabon.

In the 21st century, Gabon has become the eighth African nation to be ruled by the military after the announcement of the coup on Wednesday morning by several army officers.

The change came after the results of the election on Saturday were released, with President Ali Bongo winning the election for a third term.

According to the electoral commission, Bongo won under two-thirds of the total votes cast, but the opposition has argued that the poll was fraudulent.

How military ends Bongo’s family 53-year rule in Gabon

The development would end the 53-year hold on power by the family of Bongo in Gabon.

In a broadcast on Wednesday morning, August 30, the military officers announced the cancellation of the election they considered not credible,

The senior army officers also announced that all state institutions have been dissolved and the country’s borders have been closed.

According to the senior officers, they represented all the country’s security and defence forces.

Why military took over power in Gabon

One of the 12 senior military officers who spoke on behalf of the “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions”, said:

“We have decided to defend peace by ending the current regime.”

The election was said to be barren of international observers while the government of Bongo suspended foreign broadcasts, cut off internet service and imposed night-time curfew across the country.

The decision of the overthrown government was informed by the concerns about the election on the position of transparency during the electoral process.