Soldiers in Gabon have reportedly attempted a coup and have ousted President Ali Bongo. Taking control of the national radio station, the soldiers today called for the establishment of a restoration council. They also condemned President Bongo’s New Year address in which he had sought to put an end to the rumours about his health.
Lieutenant Kelly Ondo Obiang, the leader of the so-called Patriotic Movement of the Defence and Security Forces of Gabon, said the speech instead reinforced their doubts about Bongo’s ability to assume the responsibilities of his role as President of the Republic. He called on soldiers to take control of the transport system, ammunition reserves, and airports in the interests of the nation.
There is no word so far from the government. Bongo, who has been out of the country for two months, suffered a stroke in October. His family has ruled the oil-rich central African nation for nearly half a century.
