Britain on Wednesday condemned the “unconstitutional military takeover” of Gabon, while acknowledging concerns raised by the recent elections.
“The UK condemns the unconstitutional military takeover of Gabon and calls for the restoration of constitutional government. We acknowledge the concerns raised by the recent electoral process, including restrictions on media freedom,” the UK Foreign Office said in a statement. release.
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
