The situation in Gabon following a military coup has drawn the attention of the United States, marking the latest instance of undemocratic power transitions in Africa, according to a statement from the White House on Wednesday.
According to Channels TV, in response to the developments, White House national security spokesman John Kirby expressed deep concern, stating, ” We are closely monitoring this situation and remain committed to supporting democratic ideals as articulated by the people of Africa. “
He emphasized that although there have been multiple coups within the past year, it’ s too early to label it as a prevailing trend.
Kirby further conveyed, ” This is undeniably disconcerting. We find ourselves witnessing another instance where military officials are taking perilous and irresponsible actions, attempting to overthrow legitimately elected governments. “
President Bola Tinubu also voiced his apprehensions regarding the political climate in Gabon and its broader socio- political stability. President Tinubu’ s response followed the appearance of a group of Gabonese military officers on television, wherein they declared the termination of the current regime and nullified an election that had reportedly resulted in the victory of President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, conveyed the President’ s stance that upholding the rule of law and pursuing constitutional means for resolving electoral disputes are essential principles that must endure in Africa. Ngelale stated, ” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is vigilantly monitoring the unfolding events in Gabon, deeply concerned about the country’ s socio- political stability and the apparent spread of autocratic tendencies across various regions of our cherished continent. “
Ngelale added that President Tinubu firmly believes that the power should be vested in the capable hands of Africa’ s citizens rather than wielded through force. He emphasized that the rule of law and a steadfast commitment to constitutional resolutions for electoral disagreements should always prevail.
Additionally, President Tinubu is actively engaged in communication with fellow heads of state within the African Union. Together, they are striving towards a comprehensive consensus on the appropriate steps to address the crisis in Gabon. They are also working collectively to formulate a continent- wide response to the growing contagion of autocratic tendencies that are spreading across the region.
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