JUST IN: Military takes over power in suspected coup in Gabon
The military in Gabon has seized power in a suspected coup following President Ali Bongo’s sickness.
Bongo, who took over the reigns of the country’s affairs in 2009, has been ill for over two months and had been out of the country receiving treatment abroad. He reportedly suffered a stroke.
He attempted to lessen the tension of his absence in a televised new year message in which he said he was fine.
The military called Bongo’s speech broadcast “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”
BBC reports Monday morning that tanks and armed vehicles can be seen on the streets of the capital Libreville.
Bongo’s family has ruled Gabon for 50 years and the soldiers say the coup was launched “to restore democracy”.
