Military commanders announced on Wednesday that Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been placed under house arrest, and one of his sons arrested for "treason," they declared that the government had been deposed.
"President Ali Bongo is under house arrest, surrounded by his family and doctors," a statement broadcast on state television said.
COUP IN 🇬🇦 GABON!
Did you read this?
— Rev Laskaris (@REVMAXXING) August 30, 2023
🇫🇷 French backed Ali Bongo has been removed by the Gabonese military, and Gabon military officials have announced their seizure of Power. pic.twitter.com/mzzGLh4Mec
In a statement on the Gabon 24 television channel on Wednesday, 12 Gabonese soldiers said that the country's borders were locked until further notice.
"The borders are closed until further notice," a soldier announced on behalf of a "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions."
The internet was restored in Gabon on Wednesday after army officials declared they were overturning election results that gave Bongo another term.
Bongo's government imposed a statewide internet lockdown as voting ended late Saturday, citing the need to avoid disseminating "false news" and possibly violence.
Ali Bongo's family has been ruling Gabon for over 50 years. After a process beset by delays, he had secured 64.27 percent of the vote compared with 30.77 percent for his main challenger, Albert Ondo Ossa.
