West Africa: Military Officers nullify election, take over power from President Ali Bongo in Gabon

Army officers have released a statement the national television in Gabon on Wednesday, that they have annulled the just concluded presidential election in Gabon, and at the same time taken over power from President Ali Bongo.

According to BBC, the soldiers introduced themselves as members of the CTRI (The Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions), and they said they have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the regime of President Ali Bongo.

One of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24: “We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime. Irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos.”

They also said the country’s borders had been closed until further notice.

Recall, in the just concluded presidential election in Gabon, the electoral Commission said President Bongo defeated his main opponent, Albert Ondo Ossa who came second with 30.77 percent.

Meanwhile, Ondo Ossa has alleged that there was irregularities in the election, but Bongo’s team rejected Ondo Ossa’s allegations of electoral irregularities in presidential election.

Bongo’s overthrow would end his family’s 53-years hold on power.

Ijoyemedia. (
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