A dozen mutinous soldiers appeared on Gabonese national television, announcing the cancellation of recent election results and the dissolution of “all the institutions of the republic”.
Wednesday’s announcement came after President Ali Bongo Ondimba, 64 was re-elected for a third term, in an election the opposition described as a ‘fraud orchestrated’ by the ruling party.
The Bongo family, one of Africa’s most powerful dynasties, has been in power since 1967.
The president has confirmed he is under house arrest and called for help, urging citizens to ‘make noise’
There have been scenes of celebration in the Gabonese capital, Libreville since the military takeover.
The United States is deeply concerned by events in Gabon, where military officers said they had seized power, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told a briefing.
“We’re following this very, very closely,” he said. “It’s deeply concerning to us…we will remain a supporter of people in the region and supporter of the people in Gabon.”
