Soldiers attempt coup in Gabon
Troops apparent takeover bid ‘to restore democracy’ thwarted by govt
LIBREVILLE: Soldiers in Gabon burst into state radio offices and called on the people to “rise up”, in an apparent coup attempt as ailing President Ali Bongo is out of the country.
Shots were heard the around state television headquarters in Libreville yesterday, capital of the oil-rich West African nation, at about the same time as the message was read at 6.30am local time.
The elite Republican Guard was deployed around the building and armoured vehicles blocked access to the area.
Within a few hours, government spokesman Guy-Bertrand Mapangou said: “Calm has returned, the situation is under control.”
Of the five who entered the radio station, “four have been arrested and one is on the run,” said Mapangou.
Security forces have been deployed in the capital and will remain there over the coming days in order to maintain order, he said.
Mapangou added that the gunfire earlier was to control a crowd.
The dramatic developments came as Bongo is recovering at a private residence in the Moroccan capital Rabat after suffering a stroke.
A message was read on state radio by a person who identified himself as Lieutenant Ondo Obiang Kelly, the deputy commander of the Republican Guard and head of a previously unknown group, the Patriotic Youth Movement of the Gabonese Defence and Security Forces.
He announced a “national restoration council” would be formed.
The movement “calls on all young people from forces for the defence and security and Gabonese young people to join us,” the officer said.
Three soldiers wearing the green beret of the Republican Guard were visible on a video of the speech circulating on social media and authenticated by the media.
“We cannot abandon our homeland,” the officer said.
“The eagerly awaited day has arrived when the army has decided to put itself on the side of the people in order to save Gabon from chaos.
“If you are eating, stop; if you are having a drink, stop; if you are sleeping, wake up.
“Wake up your neighbours ... rise up as one and take control of the street,” he said.
The officer called on the people of Gabon to occupy public buildings and airports throughout the country. — AFP