Some Gabonese Army Officers, on Wednesday, appeared on Gabon national television to announce that they have seized power in the Central African nation after a disputed presidential election.
The officers said they have annulled the results of Saturday’s presidential election, in which President Ali Bongo was declared the winner.
The soldiers who introduced themselves as members of the CTRI (The Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions) said: “We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the regime in power.”
They also added that the country’s borderlands had been closed until further notice.
While announcing results of Saturday’s election, the electoral commission had said Bongo’s main challenger, Albert Ondo Ossa, placed second with 30.77%. Ossa, however, rejected the results, citing irregularities. A claim Bongo’s team rejected.
The military coup put an end to Bongo’s family’s 53 years hold on power in Gabon.
