A member of Gabon’s armed forces announced a seizure of power on a day marked by dramatic turns in the country’s political landscape. Minutes earlier, Gabonese authorities had formalized the re-election of President Ali Bongo, who had secured 64.27% of the vote in the general elections held that Saturday. The announcement came amid a contentious political period, with the nation watching closely how the military and civilian leadership would respond to post-election dynamics.
In a televised speech, a representative of the Defense and Security Forces spoke on behalf of the Gabonese people and the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI). The speaker asserted that the armed forces would safeguard peace and bring an end to the existing regime. The measures described included canceling the general elections and their results, dissolving all institutions, and closing borders “until further notice.” The statement also emphasized a commitment to maintain decorum and to present the plan to both national and international observers as a stabilizing move rather than a disruption.
The political atmosphere remained tense as the day unfolded. On the eve of the announcement, Albert Ondo Ossa, the opposition candidate who had challenged President Bongo, was reported to have received about 30.77% of the vote. The coalition backing Ondo Ossa noted positive indicators in the Alternancia 2023 vote count, signaling that the process might still reflect broad political currents within Gabon. The post-election discourse centered on the prospect of a peaceful transfer of power, a topic that had drawn attention in a country without formal constitutional term limits and where the Bongo family has long exercised political influence. The historical context involves a dynasty that began more than fifty years ago, with the previous president’s father, Omar Bongo, establishing a legacy that framed Gabon’s political scene for decades. The unfolding events prompted observers to consider the implications for governance, stability, and regional relations as the nation faced a pivotal moment in its political life.