Coup underway in Gabon – AFP
French journalists have reported the sound of gunfire in the capital, Libreville | A group of uniformed Gabonese soldiers have appeared on national television to announce the dissolution of all state institutions and the cancellation of the country’s disputed elections, after longtime leader Ali Bongo was declared the winner of last week’s presidential race. ● The soldiers delivered a live address early on Wednesday morning, stating they would “defend peace by putting an end to the current regime” while claiming to speak on behalf of the “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions,” AFP news agency reported. ● A spokesman for the group denounced the “irresponsible, unpredictable governance” of President Ali Bongo, claiming his 14 years in office had resulted in a “deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos.” Following the address, journalists with AFP also reported the sound of gunfire in Gabon’s capital, Libreville, though it is unclear whether clashes were underway.
■ Gabon army officers say they have seized power after election in oil-rich country (Reuters)
■ Gabon's military seizes power in country, overturns presidential election results (TASS)
■ Gabon's Soldiers Announce Cancellation of Elections, Dissolution of Institutions (Sputnik News)