Is democracy dying in Africa? Another country (Gabon) falls to Military might as soldiers hold hostage the country's democratic process.
A group of twelve Gabonese soldiers made a televised appearance on Wednesday, declaring the termination of the current regime led by President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
The soldiers, representing the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions," also announced the nullification of the recent presidential election, which had officially resulted in President Bongo's victory.
During their televised statement aired on Gabon 24 TV channel, the soldiers asserted that their actions were aimed at restoring peace by ending the existing regime.
They announced the dissolution of all key institutions of the republic, including the government, the Senate, the National Assembly, and the Constitutional Court. In addition, the soldiers declared the closure of Gabon's borders until further notice.
Gunfire was reported in various parts of the capital, Libreville, as the soldiers' announcement unfolded. The group comprised members of the Republican Guard, as well as regular army soldiers and police officers. The statement was also broadcast on Gabon 1 public television.
The timing of this development closely followed the official announcement by the national election authority that President Bongo had secured his third term with 64.27 percent of the vote in the election held on Saturday. The incumbent's main contender, Albert Ondo Ossa, had garnered 30.77 percent of the vote, according to the results.
However, Ondo Ossa had alleged electoral fraud orchestrated by the Bongo camp and claimed victory before the polls' conclusion.
The campaign manager for Ondo Ossa, Mike Jocktane, had called for President Bongo to peacefully transfer power, insisting that a preliminary count showed Ondo Ossa in the lead.
Notably, Gabonese law prohibits the publication of partial results until the official final results are announced by the Gabonese Elections Centre, the sole legal authority responsible for such releases.
President Bongo's administration had implemented a curfew and a nationwide internet blackout before the polls' closing, citing the need to prevent the spread of misinformation and potential violence.
The official announcement of the election results had taken place at 03:30 local time on state television without prior notice.
As Gabon faces this unexpected political upheaval, international observers and the global community are closely monitoring the situation for further developments and potential implications for regional stability.
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