The United States urged Gabon’s military coup leaders to preserve civilian rule, a day after they announced a takeover following the re-election of President Ali Bongo.
“The United States is deeply concerned by developments in Gabon. We remain strongly opposed to military takeovers or unconstitutional transfers of power,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement released late Wednesday.
Miller called on those responsible for the coup to release and guarantee the safety of government officials and “all actors to show restraint and respect for human rights.”
While the spokesperson expressed concern about the lack of transparency and allegations of irregularities in relation to the elections, he said the way forward was to address “concerns peacefully, through dialogue.”
On Wednesday, a group of Gabonese soldiers announced on television the cancellation of the elections that re-elected the president, Ali Bongo, and the dissolution of all democratic institutions.
The army said Gabon’s borders were “closed until further notice”. Hours earlier, the Gabon Electoral Center had broadcast on state television, without prior notice, the official results of the presidential elections, won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba (64.27%), in power for 14 years, defeating his main rival. , Alberto Ondo Ossa (30.77%).
The announcement came at a time when Gabon was under a curfew and with internet access suspended across the country, measures imposed by the government on election day Saturday.
The ruling military junta named General Brice Oligui Nguema “transitional president,” ending the Bongo family dynasty, which had ruled the oil-rich country, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), for 55 years.
Ali Bongo Ondimba, who succeeded his father in 2009, is under house arrest. The coup was condemned by several countries and international organizations.
Source: TSF
