Gabon’s capital, Libreville, became a scene of jubilation and elation as news of the military’s takeover spread throughout the city. Moments after the state electoral commission declared President Ali Bongo’s controversial third-term victory, a faction of high-ranking Gabonese military officers made an announcement on national television, revealing their assumption of power.
The spirited officers, representing the nation’s security and defense forces, boldly presented their message on Gabon 24 network. In a decisive move, they declared the dissolution of state institutions, nullified the election results, and enforced an indefinite closure of the country’s borders.
The ripple of excitement among the population was palpable, as many took to the streets in celebration, embracing the unexpected turn of events. The military’s intervention comes as the latest development in a series of coups that have swept across West and Central Africa since 2020. Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger have all experienced similar upheavals, casting shadows on the region’s strides toward democratic advancements.
The military’s bold maneuver, if successful, could potentially reshape the political landscape of Gabon and the surrounding region. As joyous citizens celebrate in the streets, the coup marks yet another instance where established governance structures have been disrupted in favor of military intervention.