A group of twelve soldiers in Gabon have overthrown the government of President Ali Bongo in a coup. They have placed Bongo under house arrest and detained his son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, and other allies on charges of treason, embezzlement, corruption, and falsifying the president’s signature.
The coup is the latest in a series of military takeovers in West and Central Africa. In July 2023, a coup was also staged in Niger. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the coup in Gabon and called for the immediate release of Bongo and his allies.
The coup in Gabon is a major setback for democracy in the country. Bongo has been in power for 14 years and his family has ruled Gabon for over 50 years. The coup has also raised concerns about the stability of the region. The soldiers who staged the coup said they were motivated by the need to end corruption and mismanagement in the government.
Video: Soldiers successfully take over power in Gabon
