International
Coup in Gabon as soldiers take over govt
There is palpable fear in the Central African country of Gabon as soldiers have taken over the national radio station in an attempted coup.
According to reports, the soldiers, announced the establishment of a “restoration council” after taking over the radio station.
The attempted coup caught so many unaware as gun shots were fired in the capital, Libreville, on Monday.
Reading out a statement, the military officers condemned President Ali Bongo who addressed his compatriots last week from Morocco for the first time since reportedly suffering a stroke in October.
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A New Year’s address by Bongo “reinforced doubts about the president’s ability to continue to carry out the responsibilities of his office”, said Lieutenant Kelly Ondo Obiang, leader of the self-declared Patriotic Movement of the Defence and Security Forces of Gabon.
“Once again, one time too many, the wielders of power deceptively continue to instrumentalise the person of Ali Bongo Ondimba, a patient devoid of many of his physical and mental faculties,” said Ondo Obiang.
President Bongo, 59, is said to have suffered a stroke on October 24 while visiting Saudi Arabia and has since been receiving treatment in Morocco.
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