BREAKING: Military Officers Stage Coup Following Disputed Election Victory of Ali Bongo in Gabon

In a dramatic turn of events, a group of high-ranking Gabonese military officers has taken control of the nation’s government, asserting that the recent general election lacked credibility. The officers, appearing on national television, declared themselves as representatives of Gabon’s security and defense forces, as they cited concerns over the legitimacy of the election results.

The announcement came alongside the suspension of the election outcome, closure of borders until further notice, and dissolution of state institutions. As their declaration reverberated through the capital, Libreville, sharp sounds of gunfire echoed in the background, according to a correspondent from Reuters who was present during the broadcast.

Efforts to solicit a response from the existing government were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The military officers, addressing the nation on television, proclaimed their intentions to safeguard peace by ending the current regime.

The most recent presidential election awarded a third term to incumbent President Ali Bongo, who secured 64.27% of the total votes, as stated by the Gabonese election center. The electoral process, fraught with delays, was met with accusations of fraud from the opposition.

Michel Stephane Bonda, the head of the electoral commission, revealed the outcome during the early hours, disclosing that Albert Ondo Ossa, Bongo’s primary challenger, claimed second place with 30.77% of the votes. Bongo’s camp promptly dismissed Ondo Ossa’s allegations of electoral misconduct.

Amid mounting tensions, concerns of unrest escalated following the multi-faceted election encompassing presidential, parliamentary, and legislative categories. Ali Bongo’s bid to prolong his family’s 56-year hold on power was met with a fervent push for change by the opposition, seeking transformation in the resource-rich yet economically challenged nation, known for its oil and cocoa production.

Questions regarding the transparency of the electoral process were amplified by the absence of international observers, suspension of foreign broadcasts, internet service interruption, and the imposition of a nationwide nighttime curfew subsequent to the election. As the situation continues to unfold, the future of Gabon remains uncertain under the shadow of this military intervention.