Coup in Gabon: Army officers seize power, end Bongo’s 53-year reign
Military officers have overthrown President Ali Bongo of Gabon, ending the Bongo family’s 53-year control of political power in the country.
In a national broadcast, 12 soldiers announced the ouster of Mr Bongo.
The coup plotters introduced themselves as the “Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions.”
“In the name of the Gabonese people… we have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,” the coup plotters declared, dissolving the electoral body, national assembly and constitutional court.
Mr Bongo took over power in 2009 after his father, Omar Bongo, died.
Though he suffered a stroke in 2018, sparking calls for him to step down, Mr Bongo held on to power, conducting another election and was declared winner on Saturday.
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