Army officers in Gabon have announced that they have taken over power from President Ali Bongo.
While appearing on national television, the army officers say they have had nullified election results that declared Bongo the winner, effectively ending his family’s 53-year hold on power.
Bongo was declared the winner in the results announced on Saturday.
The electoral commission said Mr Bongo had won just under two-thirds of the votes in an election the opposition argued was fraudulent.
The action in Gabon comes in the wake of a similar action in Niger where President Mohamed Bazoum remains detained since July 26 when the army announced a take-over.
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BREAKING NEWS :
— NEFERTITI LITE (@FirstObidient) August 30, 2023
The Gabonese military has announced a coup in Gabon deposing President Ali Bongo, citing that the elections conducted at the weekend were NOT credible.#Gabon #viralvideo pic.twitter.com/KiNfdtstCk
Presidential guard commander General Abdourahamane Tchiachi has since proclaimed himself leader of the junta in Niger.