Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7). This comes days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-coup-leader-sworn-in-as-interim-president-632236">Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema</a>, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim president.&nbsp;

<h2>Sima’s appointment as interim PM</h2>

Sima, 68, was an outspoken critic of Bongo, who was ousted by military officers following a coup on August 30, minutes after the announcement that he had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible.&nbsp;

The newly appointed Gabonese PM is an economist and also served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014. However, in 2016, Sima resigned and ran against Bongo for president and again as part of an opposition coalition in the recently concluded elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-soldiers-announce-cancellation-of-elections-dissolution-of-institutions-on-tv-630424">Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections</a>

Sima’s appointment was announced on state TV on Thursday in a decree by Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Bongo had been in power since 2009 and succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the Central African nation of 2.3 million people for 42 years.&nbsp;

Bongo’s ouster was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">widely celebrated</a> in the capital Libreville, and the military government moved quickly to consolidate power with the coup leader sworn in as the interim president who has vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period.&nbsp;

The former president, who had been under house arrest since the coup, is now free, said the Gabon junta, on Wednesday (Sep 6) and could travel abroad for medical checks if he wished.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-general-to-be-sworn-in-as-president-african-union-suspends-membership-631019">Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership</a>

<h2>What’s happening in Gabon?</h2>

Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Central Africa, met Oligui on Wednesday and told him that the UN would assist the country as it made a fresh start.

“Once we know the roadmap, the timetable, once a government will have been appointed, our different agencies will make the necessary contacts and continue to support Gabon,” said Abarry after the meeting in Libreville, in remarks broadcast on Gabon 24 TV.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-elections-government-cuts-internet-imposes-curfew-amid-voting-delays-629584">Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays</a>

The Central African regional bloc ECCAS has also proposed a 12-month transition period to Gabonese authorities, a senior government official taking part in discussions within the 11-nation bloc told Reuters. “We are awaiting their response,” the source told the news agency.&nbsp;

This comes after the ECCAS suspended Gabon on Monday but sent the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, as its representative to meet the country’s coup leader and president.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7).

Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7). This comes days after Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim president. Sima’s appointment as interim PM Sima, 68, was an outspoken critic of Bongo, who was ousted by military officers following a coup on August 30, minutes after the announcement that he had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible. The newly appointed Gabonese PM is an economist and also served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014. However, in 2016, Sima resigned and ran against Bongo for president and again as part of an opposition coalition in the recently concluded elections. ALSO READ | Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections Sima’s appointment was announced on state TV on Thursday in a decree by Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Bongo had been in power since 2009 and succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the Central African nation of 2.3 million people for 42 years. Bongo’s ouster was widely celebrated in the capital Libreville, and the military government moved quickly to consolidate power with the coup leader sworn in as the interim president who has vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period. The former president, who had been under house arrest since the coup, is now free, said the Gabon junta, on Wednesday (Sep 6) and could travel abroad for medical checks if he wished. ALSO READ | Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership What’s happening in Gabon? Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Central Africa, met Oligui on Wednesday and told him that the UN would assist the country as it made a fresh start. “Once we know the roadmap, the timetable, once a government will have been appointed, our different agencies will make the necessary contacts and continue to support Gabon,” said Abarry after the meeting in Libreville, in remarks broadcast on Gabon 24 TV. ALSO READ | Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays The Central African regional bloc ECCAS has also proposed a 12-month transition period to Gabonese authorities, a senior government official taking part in discussions within the 11-nation bloc told Reuters. “We are awaiting their response,” the source told the news agency. This comes after the ECCAS suspended Gabon on Monday but sent the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, as its representative to meet the country’s coup leader and president. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon’s military govt appoints former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as interim PM

On the face of it, Western Africa has been struck with a coup epidemic. As just five weeks after the military junta captured power in Niger, the military in Gabon deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba immediately after he again won the elections. But make no mistake about this. What is being witnessed in these African nations is not just a coup epidemic.

Why France is the big loser in Africa after coups in Gabon & Niger?

Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-general-to-be-sworn-in-as-president-african-union-suspends-membership-631019">sworn&nbsp;in</a> as the interim on Monday (September 4) by the country’s constitutional court judges in a televised ceremony. This comes days after the country’s military led by Oligui, seized power of the Central African nation of&nbsp;2.3 million people.

<h2>Interim president vows to hold ‘free and transparent elections’</h2>

The coup, on August 30, took place minutes after the announcement that Bongo had secured a third term after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-elections-government-cuts-internet-imposes-curfew-amid-voting-delays-629584">an election</a>&nbsp;whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible.&nbsp; 
 
In his speech,&nbsp;Oligui&nbsp;proposed reforms including&nbsp;a new constitution to be adopted by referendum;&nbsp;new electoral and penal codes;&nbsp;and measures to prioritise local banks and companies for economic development, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

“I swear before God and the Gabonese people to faithfully preserve the republican regime,” said Oligui, as quoted by AFP. He has also vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period and&nbsp;amnesty to “prisoners of conscience.”&nbsp;

Oligui, head of the elite Republican Guard, received a standing&nbsp;ovation from an audience of military officers and officials as he arrived for the ceremony and again after he was sworn in, said a report by Reuters citing the state TV footage.

It is also worth noting that several figures from&nbsp;Bongo's government, including the vice president and prime minister, attended the ceremony while he&nbsp;himself remains under house arrest. Bongo was elected in 2009 after&nbsp;taking over from his late father who came to power in 1967.&nbsp;

Images, as per the media report, showed a cheering crowd and tanks firing into the sea to mark the moment. Oligui, who was dressed in the red ceremonial uniform&nbsp;of the Republican Guard for the ceremony, also swore to “preserve the achievements of democracy,” as per AFP.&nbsp;

He has also sought the participation of all “core groups” in the country to draft a new constitution which “will be adopted by referendum.”&nbsp;

<h2>About the coup and international condemnation</h2>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">The coup </a>ended a 56-year hold on power by the Bongo dynasty in the oil-producing country and drew cheering crowds onto the streets of the capital Libreville but has received&nbsp;flak from other nations. The&nbsp;move marked the eighth coup in three years among the West and Central African nations.&nbsp;

The swearing-in ceremony of the Gabonese general also took place as the leaders of the Central African regional bloc ECCAS are due to meet in person, on Monday (Sep 4) to discuss their response to Bongo’s ouster.&nbsp;

Oligui is yet to be recognised as Gabon’s legitimate leader as he continues to face pressure to spell out his plans for restoring civilian rule.&nbsp;

The coup leaders, on Wednesday, dissolved the nation’s institutions, cancelled the election results and temporarily closed the borders.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gabon’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023 says it is the rightful winner of the election and called on the international community to encourage the junta to hand power back to civilians.

A report by Reuters citing a source in the opposition alliance said that its members met Oligui on Sunday (Sep 3) for talks without sharing further details.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim on Monday (September 4) by the country’s constitutional court judges in a televised ceremony.

Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim on Monday (September 4) by the country’s constitutional court judges in a televised ceremony. This comes days after the country’s military led by Oligui, seized power of the Central African nation of 2.3 million people. Interim president vows to hold ‘free and transparent elections’ The coup, on August 30, took place minutes after the announcement that Bongo had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible. In his speech, Oligui proposed reforms including a new constitution to be adopted by referendum; new electoral and penal codes; and measures to prioritise local banks and companies for economic development, as per Reuters. “I swear before God and the Gabonese people to faithfully preserve the republican regime,” said Oligui, as quoted by AFP. He has also vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period and amnesty to “prisoners of conscience.” Oligui, head of the elite Republican Guard, received a standing ovation from an audience of military officers and officials as he arrived for the ceremony and again after he was sworn in, said a report by Reuters citing the state TV footage. It is also worth noting that several figures from Bongo's government, including the vice president and prime minister, attended the ceremony while he himself remains under house arrest. Bongo was elected in 2009 after taking over from his late father who came to power in 1967. Images, as per the media report, showed a cheering crowd and tanks firing into the sea to mark the moment. Oligui, who was dressed in the red ceremonial uniform of the Republican Guard for the ceremony, also swore to “preserve the achievements of democracy,” as per AFP. He has also sought the participation of all “core groups” in the country to draft a new constitution which “will be adopted by referendum.” About the coup and international condemnation The coup ended a 56-year hold on power by the Bongo dynasty in the oil-producing country and drew cheering crowds onto the streets of the capital Libreville but has received flak from other nations. The move marked the eighth coup in three years among the West and Central African nations. The swearing-in ceremony of the Gabonese general also took place as the leaders of the Central African regional bloc ECCAS are due to meet in person, on Monday (Sep 4) to discuss their response to Bongo’s ouster. Oligui is yet to be recognised as Gabon’s legitimate leader as he continues to face pressure to spell out his plans for restoring civilian rule. The coup leaders, on Wednesday, dissolved the nation’s institutions, cancelled the election results and temporarily closed the borders. Meanwhile, Gabon’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023 says it is the rightful winner of the election and called on the international community to encourage the junta to hand power back to civilians. A report by Reuters citing a source in the opposition alliance said that its members met Oligui on Sunday (Sep 3) for talks without sharing further details. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabonese general and coup leader Oligui sworn in as interim president

Gabon's army said on Saturday (September 2) that it would reopen the country's borders, closed in the wake of the military coup that ousted ex-president Ali Bongo.

Gabon's army said on Saturday (September 2) that it would reopen the country's borders, closed in the wake of the military coup that ousted ex-president Ali Bongo. A spokesman for Gabon's military rulers said on state TV that they had "decided with immediate effect to reopen the land, sea and air borders as of this Saturday". Gabon's new military leader General Brice Oligui Nguema said on Friday (September 1) that the suspension of democracy will only be temporary amid the ongoing coup. In a speech, General Nguema said, "The dissolution of institutions during the coup is temporary," adding it is a question of reorganising them to make them more democratic. Nguema warned business leaders in Gabon against "over-billing" and told them to commit to the development of the country. "It is difficult to perceive, at this stage, your commitment or patriotism when it comes to the development expected by our compatriots," he added. The military chief vowed to make sure the overcharged money comes back to the state. Nguema also invited foreign donors, diplomats and members of international organisations to meet with him. Will not rush to elections: Nguema Nguema also said on Friday that the junta will proceed "quickly but surely" but that it would avoid elections that "repeat the same mistakes" by keeping the same people in power. "Going as quickly as possible does not mean organising ad hoc elections, where we will end up with the same errors," he said. Also read | US says 'deeply concerned' by events in Gabon, urges military to 'preserve civilian rule' Nguema, the head of the Republican Guard, led the coup against President Ali Bongo Ondimba and placed him under house arrest. The takeover ended the Bongo family's 56-year hold on power. The coup came just moments after an announcement that Bongo had secured a third term. The junta installed Nguema as the head of the state. He is due to be sworn in as "transitional president." The junta has dissolved Gabon's institutions, cancelled the election results and closed the borders. On Friday, images from local media showed Bongo's son Noureddin Bongo Valentin and other arrested officials in front of suitcases filled with cash allegedly seized from their homes. African Union suspends Gabon's membership following coup On Thursday, the African Union (AU) suspended Gabon's membership following Wednesday's coup. The AU's Peace and Security Council barred Gabon's participation in all its activities, organs and institutions until constitutional order was restored. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Days after coup, Gabon junta reopens borders 'effective immediately'

The military officers in Gabon have seized power.After Niger, the Central African nation of Gabon witnessed a military takeover. Gabon's military officers have put President Ali Bongo under house arrest.

Why are Gabon’s coup leaders getting popular support from the general public?

The African Nation of Gabon became the eighth country since 2020 to witness a military takeover. On Wednesday rebel military officers announced the coup on live television and put third-time elected President Ali Bongo Ondimba under house arrest.

Gravitas | Gabon After Niger: Military Takes Charge | Africa's Democracy in Danger?

Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime". The coup occurred just after the results of country's general elections were announced to pave the way for a third presidential term to Ali Bongo Ondimba, who over the years gained notoriety for his alleged corrupt practices.

"The general elections of August 26, 2023, as well as the truncated results, are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice. All institutions of the Republic are dissolved," a military officer announced on television.&nbsp;

The military described August 26 elections as having not met the conditions for a transparent ballot. "In addition, irresponsible, unpredictable governance has led to a steady deterioration in social cohesion, threatening to drive the country into chaos," the military officer reasoned.&nbsp;

President Ali Bongo currently remains under house arrest, after the Central African state's election body announced that he had won a third term. The ousted president released &nbsp;video of himself in which he can be seen appealing to his 'friends' in the world to 'make noise'.&nbsp;

"I'm sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world to tell them to make noise for... the people here who arrested me and my family," he said in English.

"I'm at the residence and nothing is happening, I don't know what's going on. I'm calling (on) you to make noise," he added.

<h2>Where is Gabon?</h2>

The nation of a little more than 2 million people, a former French colony, is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and borders Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo.&nbsp;

France occupied Gabon in 1885. In 1910 Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa. On 15 July 1960, Gabon gained independence from France.

Gabon is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. According to the latest count, the country produces 181,000 barrels of crude a day, making it the eighth-largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp;

Gabon is slightly smaller in area than the Indian state of Maharashtra.

<h2>Gabon latest addition in African 'coup belt'</h2>

The coup in Gabon comes a month after military in West African nation Niger took over power and detained democratically-elected Mohamed Bazoum.&nbsp;

Africa now has the longest corridor of military rule on Earth. The continent now has a total over seven countries under military rule.

Apart from Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan are now controlled by juntas that came to power in a coup — all but one in the past two years.&nbsp;

<h2>Gabon coup: Reaction of public</h2>

Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Gabonese capital Libreville on Wednesday (August 30) to celebrate the announcement of a military coup that was filmed from the presidential palace.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-nuclear-reserves-how-this-coup-can-throw-europe-into-deep-energy-crisis-621073">Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis</a>

The visuals were not much different from the kind of public reception that the military takeover in Niger received a month ago.

In the Gabonese capital Libreville, visuals shared on social media showed people cheering on the marching army convoys.

<h2>How coup in Gabon is different from the ones in rest of Africa?</h2>

The military takeover in Gabon is different in a way that unlike its counterparts in the Sahel region of Africa, the country is least affected by jihadist violence. The country is relatively stable despite high proportion of unemployed people in the population.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 per cent of Gabonese people aged 15-24 were out of work in 2020, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;

<h2>Gabon after Niger: Why coups are getting popular public support?</h2>

This is largely because the democratically elected leaders have attained infamy for their alleged corrupt practices and overwhelming allegiance to the West, especially France, a former colonial power in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Gabon, for instance, one of the symbolic descriptions of outlandish expenditure of state funds by people-in-power is this image that shows now-ousted President Ali Bongo with his family.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<img alt="President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18a504b3-6e16-46c6-a232-147c1f879735" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-30T185921.556.png" />

Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X

President Ali Bongo, once imported fake snow to the Presidential Palace, so that his family could have a snowy Christmas in Gabonese capital Libreville.

President Ali Bongo ruled Gabon since 2009 while his father President Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 to 2009. That is, for a whopping 56 of 63 years of independent Gabon's existence, the Ali Bongo's ruled the resource-rich nation.&nbsp;

<h2>Instability in Africa: The French factor</h2>

All the seven countries in Africa where coups have occurred in the last two years have one marked similarity: they all were former French colonies. Many commentators have asked if France or the legacy of the French colonialism is to blame for the range of instabilities in the region.

Anti-French vitriol has flourished across the Sahel region, where a number of French companies have had controlling stakes over mining resources.&nbsp; 
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Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime".

Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime". The coup occurred just after the results of country's general elections were announced to pave the way for a third presidential term to Ali Bongo Ondimba, who over the years gained notoriety for his alleged corrupt practices. "The general elections of August 26, 2023, as well as the truncated results, are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice. All institutions of the Republic are dissolved," a military officer announced on television. The military described August 26 elections as having not met the conditions for a transparent ballot. "In addition, irresponsible, unpredictable governance has led to a steady deterioration in social cohesion, threatening to drive the country into chaos," the military officer reasoned. President Ali Bongo currently remains under house arrest, after the Central African state's election body announced that he had won a third term. The ousted president released video of himself in which he can be seen appealing to his 'friends' in the world to 'make noise'. "I'm sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world to tell them to make noise for... the people here who arrested me and my family," he said in English. "I'm at the residence and nothing is happening, I don't know what's going on. I'm calling (on) you to make noise," he added. Where is Gabon? The nation of a little more than 2 million people, a former French colony, is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and borders Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. France occupied Gabon in 1885. In 1910 Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa. On 15 July 1960, Gabon gained independence from France. Gabon is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. According to the latest count, the country produces 181,000 barrels of crude a day, making it the eighth-largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa. Gabon is slightly smaller in area than the Indian state of Maharashtra. Gabon latest addition in African 'coup belt' The coup in Gabon comes a month after military in West African nation Niger took over power and detained democratically-elected Mohamed Bazoum. Africa now has the longest corridor of military rule on Earth. The continent now has a total over seven countries under military rule. Apart from Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan are now controlled by juntas that came to power in a coup — all but one in the past two years. Gabon coup: Reaction of public Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Gabonese capital Libreville on Wednesday (August 30) to celebrate the announcement of a military coup that was filmed from the presidential palace. Also read | Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis The visuals were not much different from the kind of public reception that the military takeover in Niger received a month ago. In the Gabonese capital Libreville, visuals shared on social media showed people cheering on the marching army convoys. How coup in Gabon is different from the ones in rest of Africa? The military takeover in Gabon is different in a way that unlike its counterparts in the Sahel region of Africa, the country is least affected by jihadist violence. The country is relatively stable despite high proportion of unemployed people in the population. Nearly 40 per cent of Gabonese people aged 15-24 were out of work in 2020, according to the World Bank. Gabon after Niger: Why coups are getting popular public support? This is largely because the democratically elected leaders have attained infamy for their alleged corrupt practices and overwhelming allegiance to the West, especially France, a former colonial power in the region. In Gabon, for instance, one of the symbolic descriptions of outlandish expenditure of state funds by people-in-power is this image that shows now-ousted President Ali Bongo with his family. Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X President Ali Bongo, once imported fake snow to the Presidential Palace, so that his family could have a snowy Christmas in Gabonese capital Libreville. President Ali Bongo ruled Gabon since 2009 while his father President Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 to 2009. That is, for a whopping 56 of 63 years of independent Gabon's existence, the Ali Bongo's ruled the resource-rich nation. Instability in Africa: The French factor All the seven countries in Africa where coups have occurred in the last two years have one marked similarity: they all were former French colonies. Many commentators have asked if France or the legacy of the French colonialism is to blame for the range of instabilities in the region. Anti-French vitriol has flourished across the Sahel region, where a number of French companies have had controlling stakes over mining resources. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support

Nearly a dozen soldiers took to state television and said they were overturning the presidential election and called for calm among the population. Gabon’s government had announced a nationwide curfew and cut off internet access Saturday evening as voting in major national elections for new local leaders, national legislators and Gabon’s next president was wrapping up.

Gabon Coup: Military officers announce takeover on television, reject Presidential election results

The French African empire has ended only in political terms. But economically, even to this day a total of 14 African nations have their economies tied to the French Central Bank. These nations must deposit half of their foreign exchange reserves with the French treasury. What this effectively means is that 14% of the African population that lives on over 965,000 square miles of land, that represents about 12% of the African continent's GDP has no financial sovereignty.

Coups in Gabon & Niger in Africa spell an end to 'Francafrique'? | World at War

China called for "all sides" in Gabon to guarantee the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba after military officers in the country on Wednesday appeared on television and announced that they were "putting an end to the current regime".&nbsp;

"China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

"We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible," he added, urging parties to "guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability".

Bongo, who visited Beijing in the month of April this year, was greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as an "old friend".

Xi also hailed Bongo's "significant achievements" in development.

Bongo, in turn, thanked China for its "valuable assistance in promoting Gabon's economic diversification and industrialisation", a readout from state news agency Xinhua said.

<h2>France following Gabon events with the greatest attention, says PM</h2>

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne released a statement saying that her country was following the events in Gabon "with the greatest attention".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-soldiers-announce-cancellation-of-elections-dissolution-of-institutions-on-tv-630424">Gabonese military officers announce an end to current regime, say election result cancelled</a>

European Union defence ministers will also discuss the situation in Gabon said High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, further adding that if confirmed, would heap more instability on the region.

"If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region," said Borrell, speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Toledo.

"The whole area, starting with Central African Republic, then Mali, then Burkina Faso, now Niger, maybe Gabon, it's in a very difficult situation and certainly the ministers ... have to have a deep thought on what is going on there and how we can improve our policy in respect with these countries," he said.

"This is a big issue for Europe," he added.

On Wednesday, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement by the soldiers was being made.

While announcing the cancellation of the election results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved.&nbsp;

"We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,"&nbsp;one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions".

"To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added.

"All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice".

(With inputs from agencies) 
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China called for "all sides" in Gabon to guarantee the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba after military officers in the country on Wednesday appeared on television and announced that they were "putting an end to the current regime".

China called for "all sides" in Gabon to guarantee the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba after military officers in the country on Wednesday appeared on television and announced that they were "putting an end to the current regime". "China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. "We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible," he added, urging parties to "guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability". Bongo, who visited Beijing in the month of April this year, was greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as an "old friend". Xi also hailed Bongo's "significant achievements" in development. Bongo, in turn, thanked China for its "valuable assistance in promoting Gabon's economic diversification and industrialisation", a readout from state news agency Xinhua said. France following Gabon events with the greatest attention, says PM French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne released a statement saying that her country was following the events in Gabon "with the greatest attention". Also read: Gabonese military officers announce an end to current regime, say election result cancelled European Union defence ministers will also discuss the situation in Gabon said High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, further adding that if confirmed, would heap more instability on the region. "If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region," said Borrell, speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Toledo. "The whole area, starting with Central African Republic, then Mali, then Burkina Faso, now Niger, maybe Gabon, it's in a very difficult situation and certainly the ministers ... have to have a deep thought on what is going on there and how we can improve our policy in respect with these countries," he said. "This is a big issue for Europe," he added. On Wednesday, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement by the soldiers was being made. While announcing the cancellation of the election results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved. "We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime," one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions". "To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added. "All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China calls for guarantee of President Bongo's safety, France keenly following Gabon events

Gabon soldiers on Wednesday (30 August) appeared on television and declared that they were "putting an end to the current regime". They also announced the cancellation of a poll that as per the results, was won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba.&nbsp; 
 
Military officers appeared on national television and declared they were seizing power, prompting some scenes of celebration in the Gabonese capital, Libreville and reports of gunfire on the streets of the capital.&nbsp;

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-article-gutter="true" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D6EAD3B2-3C25-B3E9-0C78-45BDB3048A08@published">The announcement came minutes after the election body of the oil rich state&nbsp;announced that President Ali Bongo had won a third term, extending his family’s half-century rule over the Central African nation.

As per news agency AFP reports, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement was being made.&nbsp;The&nbsp;soldiers said the election results stand cancelled, and&nbsp;all borders closed until further notice.

While announcing the cancellation of the results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved.&nbsp;

"We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,"&nbsp;one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions".

"To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added.

"All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-elections-government-cuts-internet-imposes-curfew-amid-voting-delays-629584">Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays</a>

The soldiers who made the announcement included members of the Republican Guard as well as soldiers of the regular army and police officers.

The statement was also broadcast on Gabon 1 public television, according to news agency AFP. 
 
The&nbsp;Gabon coup would be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The latest one, in Niger, was in July. Military has&nbsp;already seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad.

&nbsp;

<h2>Gabon elections</h2>

The announcement by the soldiers came shortly after the national election authority said that Bongo had won a third term in the elections that were held on Saturday (26 August) with 64.27 per cent of the vote.&nbsp;

As per the results, Bongo's rival, Albert Ondo Ossa, had won 30.77 per cent of the votes.

Ondo Ossa had condemned "fraud orchestrated by the Bongo camp", claiming victory ahead of the closure of polls.&nbsp;

Ondo Ossa's campaign manager Mike Jocktane, on Monday (28 August), called on Bongo to hand over power "without bloodshed", insisting a partial count had Ondo Ossa clearly ahead, without providing any evidence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Gabon soldiers on Wednesday (30 August) appeared on television and declared that they were "putting an end to the current regime". They also announced the cancellation of a poll that as per the results, was won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

Gabon soldiers on Wednesday (30 August) appeared on television and declared that they were "putting an end to the current regime". They also announced the cancellation of a poll that as per the results, was won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Military officers appeared on national television and declared they were seizing power, prompting some scenes of celebration in the Gabonese capital, Libreville and reports of gunfire on the streets of the capital. The announcement came minutes after the election body of the oil rich state announced that President Ali Bongo had won a third term, extending his family’s half-century rule over the Central African nation. As per news agency AFP reports, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement was being made. The soldiers said the election results stand cancelled, and all borders closed until further notice. While announcing the cancellation of the results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved. "We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime," one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions". "To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added. "All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice". Also read: Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays The soldiers who made the announcement included members of the Republican Guard as well as soldiers of the regular army and police officers. The statement was also broadcast on Gabon 1 public television, according to news agency AFP. The Gabon coup would be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The latest one, in Niger, was in July. Military has already seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad. Gabon elections The announcement by the soldiers came shortly after the national election authority said that Bongo had won a third term in the elections that were held on Saturday (26 August) with 64.27 per cent of the vote. As per the results, Bongo's rival, Albert Ondo Ossa, had won 30.77 per cent of the votes. Ondo Ossa had condemned "fraud orchestrated by the Bongo camp", claiming victory ahead of the closure of polls. Ondo Ossa's campaign manager Mike Jocktane, on Monday (28 August), called on Bongo to hand over power "without bloodshed", insisting a partial count had Ondo Ossa clearly ahead, without providing any evidence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections

Gabon's President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-rebel-chief-caught-two-killed-in-failed-coup-presidency-188866">Ali Bongo</a>, who has been out of the country for two months recovering from a stroke, named a new prime minister on Saturday in an apparent effort to shore up his political base days after a failed coup attempt.

The plotters of Monday's coup attempt were arrested or killed within hours of seizing the national radio station, but the move reflected growing frustration with a government weakened by Bongo's secretive medical leave in Morocco.

In a decree read by the secretary-general of the presidency on national television early on Saturday morning, Bongo named Julien Nkoghe Bekale as prime minister, replacing Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet, who has served since 2016.

Issoze-Ngondet's tenure was marked by a sharp drop in oil output and prices that have squeezed revenues, raised debt and stoked discontent in the OPEC member state.

Oil workers' strikes have become more common, and economic growth was 2 per cent last year, down from over 7 per cent in 2011.

The nomination of Nkoghe Bekale, 56, who has held several ministerial posts since 2009, represents a return to a tradition begun by Bongo's father, Omar, of choosing prime ministers from the Fang, Gabon's largest ethnic group.

Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009, establishing the country as a pillar of "Francafrique", a web of influence that gave companies from former colonial power France favoured access to African autocrats.

The Bongos come from a smaller ethnic group, and the appointments were a way of broadening the president's base. But Ali Bongo, who succeeded his father when he died, bucked tradition in 2016 by choosing Issoze-Ngondet, who comes from a different ethnic group.

Bongo's absence from Gabon since his October 24 stroke in Saudi Arabia has raised questions about his ability to continue carrying out his official functions, although the government has insisted he is recovering well.

A December 31 address from Morocco in which the 59-year-old president slurred his speech and appeared unable to move his right arm failed to reassure many Gabonese and was cited as one of the coup plotters' reasons for acting.

Bongo won re-election in 2016 by fewer than 6,000 votes amid widespread accusations of fraud, sparking deadly clashes between protesters and police during which the parliament was torched.

Gabon's President Ali Bongo, who has been out of the country for two months recovering from a stroke, named a new prime minister on Saturday in an apparent effort to shore up his political base days after a failed coup attempt.

Gabon's President Ali Bongo, who has been out of the country for two months recovering from a stroke, named a new prime minister on Saturday in an apparent effort to shore up his political base days after a failed coup attempt. The plotters of Monday's coup attempt were arrested or killed within hours of seizing the national radio station, but the move reflected growing frustration with a government weakened by Bongo's secretive medical leave in Morocco. In a decree read by the secretary-general of the presidency on national television early on Saturday morning, Bongo named Julien Nkoghe Bekale as prime minister, replacing Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet, who has served since 2016. Issoze-Ngondet's tenure was marked by a sharp drop in oil output and prices that have squeezed revenues, raised debt and stoked discontent in the OPEC member state. Oil workers' strikes have become more common, and economic growth was 2 per cent last year, down from over 7 per cent in 2011. The nomination of Nkoghe Bekale, 56, who has held several ministerial posts since 2009, represents a return to a tradition begun by Bongo's father, Omar, of choosing prime ministers from the Fang, Gabon's largest ethnic group. Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009, establishing the country as a pillar of "Francafrique", a web of influence that gave companies from former colonial power France favoured access to African autocrats. The Bongos come from a smaller ethnic group, and the appointments were a way of broadening the president's base. But Ali Bongo, who succeeded his father when he died, bucked tradition in 2016 by choosing Issoze-Ngondet, who comes from a different ethnic group. Bongo's absence from Gabon since his October 24 stroke in Saudi Arabia has raised questions about his ability to continue carrying out his official functions, although the government has insisted he is recovering well. A December 31 address from Morocco in which the 59-year-old president slurred his speech and appeared unable to move his right arm failed to reassure many Gabonese and was cited as one of the coup plotters' reasons for acting. Bongo won re-election in 2016 by fewer than 6,000 votes amid widespread accusations of fraud, sparking deadly clashes between protesters and police during which the parliament was torched.

Gabon's Bongo names new prime minister after thwarted coup attempt

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