Soldiers in Gabon say they have seized power and announced the establishment of a "restoration council" after taking over the na...
Soldiers in Gabon say they have seized power and announced the
establishment of a "restoration council" after taking over the
national radio station.
There were reports of shots being fired in the capital,
Libreville, on Monday. Reading out a statement, the military officers condemned
President Ali Bongo who addressed his compatriots last week from Morocco for
the first time since reportedly suffering a stroke in October.
A New Year's address by Bongo "reinforced doubts about
the president's ability to continue to carry out of the responsibilities of his
office", said Lieutenant Kelly Ondo Obiang, leader of the self-declared
Patriotic Movement of the Defence and Security Forces of Gabon.
"Once again, one time too many, the wielders of power
deceptively continue to instrumentalise the person of Ali Bongo Ondimba, a
patient devoid of many of his physical and mental faculties," said Ondo
Obiang.
Gunfire was heard around state television offices in the
centre of the capital at about 6:30am (05:30 GMT), and military vehicles
blocked access to the site, an AFP news agency correspondent reported.
Bongo, 59, is said to have suffered a stroke on October 24
while visiting Saudi Arabia and has since been treated in Morocco. His family
has ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for nearly half a century.
The president posted a video message recorded in Rabat and
distributed via social and traditional media last Monday in which he admitted
he had been "through a difficult period".
But he added: "Today, as you can see, I am preparing
to meet you again soon." Presidential spokesperson Ike Ngouoni later told
AFP, "This speech is proof that President Ali Bongo is fully recovered.
His health problems are now behind him."
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