BEVERLY HILLS, January 07, (THEWILL) – A coup by junior military officers has been foiled in Gabon, with government assuring that ‘the situation is under control.’
THEWILL recalls that a coup had happened in the West African nation, with President Ali Bongo ousted from office as military officers took over the TV and radio headquarters.
Reports emanating from Gabon suggest that four of the five officers involved in the coup have been arrested while a fifth one has taken to his heels. Gabonese authorities have stated that the fleeing officer will be caught in a matter of hours.
President Bongo’s family has been in power for 50 years, with the officers saying the coup was for a ”restoration of democracy” to the country.
“The situation is calm. The gendarmes who are often stationed there have taken control of the entire area around the radio and TV headquarters, so everything is back to normal”, a source told the BBC.
Ali Bongo replaced his father, Omar Bongo as President of Gabon in 2009. He is currently battling health issues and had made a broadcast on New Year’s day to ease the growing tension in the country.
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