In a video circulating on social media, Ondo Obiang is seen in a radio studio wearing military fatigues and a green beret as he reads the statement, which was broadcast at about 4.30am local time (0530 GMT). Two other soldiers with assault rifles stand behind him.
Ondo Obiang said the coup was being carried out “to restore democracy” and to oust “those who, in a cowardly way, assassinated our young compatriots on the night of August 31 2016” – a reference to deadly violence that erupted after Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election.
A source close to the government said there were gunshots around the national television station, but that the plotters appeared to be a small group of soldiers.
Bongo, 59, was hospitalised in October in Saudi Arabia after suffering a stroke. He has been in Morocco since November to continue treatment.
In his New Year’s speech, Bongo acknowledged his health problems but said he was recovering. He slurred some of his words and did not move his right arm, but otherwise appeared in good health.
The Bongo family has ruled the oil-producing country for nearly half a century. Bongo has been president since succeeding his father, Omar, who died in 2009. His re-election in 2016 was marred by claims of fraud and violent protest.
Bongo won re-election in 2016 by fewer than 6,000 votes, sparking deadly clashes between protesters and police during which the parliament was torched.
The European Union said it found anomalies during the election in Bongo’s stronghold province of Haut-Ogooué, where he won 95% of the vote on a 99.9% turnout.
from the guardian.com
*How does a Military body restore Democracy????This should be resisted by all means before other African countries attempt to do same...
Exactly what I wanted to say Stella, the Africa Union should rise against it before it becomes another turn of event in the Africa space.
ReplyDeleteGod's intervention in Gabon.
ReplyDeleteOk na. Our own will start preparing when erection get problem
ReplyDeleteELECTION not ERECTION. Blokos dey hungry you ba?
DeleteSo the thing no hungry you
DeleteAbeg After Recovery he should Resign biko...
ReplyDeleteResist kini? 😒😒😒This is exactly what we need in Nigeria. They should get rid of all our evil politicians and their cabals like Jerry Rawlings did in Ghana. but those are military men re under the paycheck of these politicians so they nor get mind/sense to do such.😠😠😠
ReplyDeleteI tell u. Buhari was abroad sick for over 3months nobody did anything .
DeleteEven though I applaud the Gabon army for finally growing some balls, trust me you don't need such in Nigeria. Buhari was democratically elected and he hasn't even finished his term yet or refuse to leave after his tenure. Don't wish evil on your country oo. For Gabon, their case is different. The Bongos are brutal; the Gnasingbes of Togo are learning where they are sef.
Delete*those military men*
DeleteI was angry while typing and didn't bother to peruse what I typed before posting😅😅😅
We ve lackadaisical attitude to such things in our country that's why politicians can go scot-free after stealing our money and re not scared to flaunt it in our faces.
Anything to remove buhari is welcome.
ReplyDeleteYou say what Stella? I think you don't follow Gabon news or don't know much about their political struggles. Those guys have tried almost everything they could. This is a step in the right direction for them.
ReplyDeleteStella, this is a good news. The army will be there as an interim government. Another democratic election will be conducted soon.
ReplyDelete