Military Takes over Power in Fresh Coup in Gabon

Military officers have appeared on national television in Gabon to say they have taken power in coup.

They said they were annulling the results of Saturday’s election, in which president Ali bongo was declared the winner.

The electoral commission said Mr. Bongo had won just under two-thirds of the votes in an election the opposition argued was fraudulent.

His overthrow would end his family’s 53-year hold on power in Gabon.

Read Also:

Eleven Arrested over $6m Cash, Fake Gold and Arms aboard Plane in Zambia

Twelve soldiers appeared on television early on Wednesday morning, announcing they were cancelling the results of the election and dissolving “all the institutions of the republic”.

In their address on national TV, the soldiers said the elections “did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon”

They added that the country’s borders had been closed “until further notice”.

The sounds of loud gunfire could be heard in the country’s capital, Libreville, following the broadcast.

Bongo, 64, who succeeded his father Omar as president in 2009, had contested against 18 challengers, six of whom backed Ondo Ossa in an effort to narrow the race.