The head of European Union foreign policy, Josep Borrell, spoke ahead of the informal gathering of EU foreign ministers in Toledo, stating that EU nations do not intend to evacuate their citizens from Gabon following the military seizure of power. He urged that there are no immediate conditions prompting a relief operation and that calm had returned to the streets. According to Borrell, thousands of EU nationals are in Gabon, yet none of the member states have raised concerns about their safety or the need for evacuation.
Earlier reports indicated that security forces in Dakar dispersed demonstrators near Gabon’s embassy, employing tear gas to quell the protest.
In the morning of August 30, a group of senior Gabonese military officers appeared on the country’s main television channel to announce the nullification of the presidential election results and the dissolution of governing institutions. The officers claimed they had taken control of the country and represented the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces. Local reports described gunfire in Libreville during this period, underscoring the volatility of the situation.
Observers note that this event marks a stark divergence from recent coups in West Africa, including Niger, and highlights the different trajectories and international responses to each crisis. European officials are weighing the implications for regional stability, international law, and the protection of citizens abroad as the Gabonese crisis unfolds. The EU’s stance emphasizes keeping people safe while avoiding unnecessary escalations, a position that will be tested as events continue to develop and external actors monitor the evolving power dynamics in Libreville.
EU diplomats are closely tracking the situation and coordinating with partners in Africa and beyond to determine appropriate measures. The overarching aim remains to support peaceful, constitutional processes and to deter further violence, all while preserving the welfare of EU citizens and their rights under international norms. As the crisis evolves, the EU is expected to publish additional guidance for its member states and foreign missions, balancing prudent risk assessment with the obligation to assist nationals where feasible. Analysts note that the Gabon crisis could influence regional security discussions and future responses to similar disruptions across the continent, shaping how the international community engages with governments that seize power through force. [citation: Reuters]