Gabon army officers announce coup, put president under house arrest

Military officers in Gabon have seized power and placed President Ali Bongo under house arrest following the announcement of his third term win. The officers declared the election results cancelled, closed borders, dissolved state institutions, and detained Bongo. The coup, if successful, would be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The situation creates uncertainty for France's presence in the region, and China and Russia have expressed concern.

Aug 30, 2023 - 17:30
Gabon army officers announce coup, put president under house arrest
Military officers in Gabon have seized power and placed President Ali Bongo under house arrest following the announcement of his third term win. The officers declared the election results cancelled, closed borders, dissolved state institutions, and detained Bongo. The coup, if successful, would be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The situation creates uncertainty for France's presence in the region, and China and Russia have expressed concern.