Army officers in Gabon take center stage, announcing a dramatic takeover on national television.
The soldiers declare the annulment of the recent presidential election results, challenging the incumbent President Ali Bongo's victory.
This marks a pivotal moment in Gabon's political landscape, potentially ending the Bongo family's 53-year rule.
The election had been marred by accusations of fraud from the opposition. This coup places Gabon in the spotlight, as the soldiers' actions ripple across Africa and beyond.
Amidst the turmoil, French mining group Eramet suspended its operations in Gabon due to escalating security concerns.
The coup leaders, known as the "Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions," voiced their intent to bring an end to the current regime, citing irresponsible governance that threatens social cohesion. The sounds of gunfire resonate through the capital, signaling a nation on edge.
The backdrop of electoral irregularities adds complexity to the crisis, as opposition candidate Albert Ondo Ossa highlights flaws in the voting process.
Foreign media's exclusion from covering the election raises further questions about transparency.
Gabon's history of disputed elections casts a shadow, and the unfolding events reflect the nation's struggle for political stability in the face of deep-seated challenges.