Following the seizure of power, Gabon’s military took steps to restore internet access, with confirmation from Reuters to the public. The government’s move came amid ongoing unrest in the country.
On August 27, Gabonese authorities pulled the plug on internet access and restricted several French online media outlets within the country due to the volatile situation.
Prior to these events, the borders had been closed by the military as tensions escalated across the nation.
Early on August 30, a group of senior officers appeared on Gabon 24, the country’s main television channel, announcing that the presidential election results had been annulled and the existing ruling institutions were dissolved. The officers claimed they had assumed command and were acting on behalf of the Ministry of Defense and the armed forces. Reports of gunfire in Libreville, the capital, followed their statement as the situation grew more unstable.
The military leadership attributed the coup to a perceived loss of public confidence in the results of the August 26 general elections.
The declaration came after a meeting of the country’s electoral commission concluded with the re-election of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who claimed a third term with about 64 percent of the vote. The Bongo family has held power in Gabon for decades, with the incumbent’s father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, serving as head of state from 1967 to 2009.
Opposition groups rejected the election results and asserted that the process had been manipulated and the outcomes fabricated.
Meanwhile, updates from Niger indicated that former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife had chosen to prioritize their safety in light of surrounding political upheaval, underscoring the regional tensions in West Africa during this period.
Observing the unfolding events, analysts noted the potential implications for regional stability, constitutional norms, and future governance in Gabon. Commentators stressed the importance of a clear pathway back to civilian rule, adherence to the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties as the country navigates this crisis. The international community urged restraint while emphasizing the need for transparent processes and a swift restoration of essential services, including communications networks. In this fluid situation, local voices and regional stakeholders urged dialogue, accountability, and a peaceful resolution that respects national sovereignty and democratic principles. [Source attribution: Reuters]