Deposed Gabonese President Ali Bongo Confirms House Arrest Following Military Uprising
BY: Hana Saada
Gabon, August 30, 2023 – In a dramatic turn of events, Gabonese President Ali Bongo confirmed his house arrest after being overthrown by the military earlier today. Speaking in a video message released this afternoon, Bongo appeared in a plush office, his voice marked with emotion as he addressed the nation in English.
The ousted president revealed that he is currently under house arrest within the confines of the presidential palace. Expressing his concern for the safety and whereabouts of his wife and son-adviser Nouredin Bongo Valentin, who were apprehended by the coup leaders, Bongo’s statements shed light on the precarious situation unfolding in the country.
The military group behind the coup, known as the “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions” (CTRI), asserted its control through intermittent announcements. They detailed the arrests of several high-ranking officials close to Bongo on charges including high treason, embezzlement of public funds, and falsification of official documents.
In the recorded message, Ali Bongo made a plea to the international community, rallying his allies to raise their voices against the forces that forcibly removed him from power. His appeal came amid reports of burgeoning popular demonstrations across various regions of Gabon, displaying support for the military’s actions.
As news of the coup reverberated globally, responses were cautious and measured. The Kremlin spokesperson voiced deep concern over the situation, while China declared its vigilance regarding the unfolding events. France, on the other hand, strongly condemned the coup while emphasizing the importance of upholding the eventual election outcome.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, President of the African Union, issued a call to the Gabonese national army and security forces, urging them to adhere to their republican duty. The message underscored the importance of safeguarding the physical safety of not only Ali Bongo but also his family members and government officials.
The crisis erupted just a day after Ali Bongo was officially declared the victor in the presidential election, securing a third term with 64.27% of the votes cast. However, a leaked document surfaced shortly thereafter, contesting the authenticity of the election results. The document credited Bongo with only 29.13% of the votes, effectively propelling his rival, Albert Ondo Ossa, to a lead with 65.02% of the voters’ support.
This political upheaval saw the emergence of the CTRI, led by a group of senior military officers. In a televised announcement on Gabon 24, they claimed responsibility for ending Bongo’s regime in the pursuit of restoring peace and stability. As a consequence, they declared the nullification of the recently held general elections on August 26, 2023, along with their purported outcomes.
As Gabon navigates through this uncertain and tense period, international attention remains firmly fixed on the evolving situation. The future trajectory of the nation now hangs in the balance as the world watches with bated breath.
