Gabon military officers declare coup, President Ali Bongo placed under house arrest

Military officers in Gabon declared they were seizing power from President Ali Bongo Ondimba in a coup on Wednesday (30 August 2023). Men in army uniform appeared on national television and announced that the Gabon President had been placed under house arrest during the military takeover. The announcement was made just minutes after President Ondimba was declared winner in a contested



election.

 

The officers who said they represented the armed forces declared on television that the election results were cancelled, borders were closed and state institutions were dissolved.

 

The military action has prompted celebrations and reports of gunfire on the streets of the capital. However, the international community has condemned the action.