Another coup in Africa: military overthrows & takes over from President Bongo
The military has announced a coup in Gabon, deposing President Ali Bongo, who was declared winner of Saturday’s election, Daily Trust reports.
Bongo, who came to power after the death of his father in 2009, won a third term in an election which opposition argued was heavily disputed.
According to Reuters, tensions were running high amid fears of unrest after Saturday’s presidential, parliamentary, and legislative vote, which saw Bongo seeking to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power while the opposition pushed for change in the oil and cocoa-rich but poverty-stricken nation.
A lack of international observers, the suspension of some foreign broadcasts, and the authorities’ decision to cut internet service and impose a night-time curfew nationwide after the poll raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process.
The BBC quoted soldiers to have appeared on Gabonese national television in Gabon to say they had taken power and annulled Saturday’s election.
The development comes amid the move to resolve the crisis in Niger Republic following the removal of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU), which have rejected the coup in Niger, are yet to react to the situation in Gabon as of the time of filing this report as developments are still unfolding.
It’s gradually becoming a trend in Africa as the military are striking and taking over reigns of government.
On July 26 the military struck in Niger Republic and overthrew the democratic government of Mohammed Bazuom.
As at the last count about seven African countries are now under the rulership of a military regime with West Africa accounting for the majority of the countries.
There is huge discontent in the continent on the travails of democracy with politicians reaping off the citizens as hunger and despondency thrive in the continent.
Also elections are rigged with impunity, making peaceful choice and election of preferred candidates virtually impossible.
This has accounted to wide jubilation that greets each military take over in any country in Africa.
