Libreville, 31 August, 2023 / 9:40 pm (ACI Africa).
Days after the military coup in Gabon that ousted President Ali Bongo from power, a Catholic Priest has shared with ACI Africa the situation in the Central African nation, including relative calm and restoration of the Internet.
On Wednesday, August 30, Military officers in Gabon announced that they had seized power shortly after President Bongo was declared winner of the August 26 presidential poll, Reuters reported. Mr. Bongo has been placed under house arrest with General Brice Oligui Nguema appointed leader of the transition.
The military leadership also announced that the results of the Presidential election had been canceled, borders closed, and state institutions dissolved.
In a Thursday, August 31 interview with ACI Africa, the Coordinator of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communication and Culture at the Episcopal Conference of Gabon (CEG) said, “There were explosions of joy on the streets of Gabon after the military’s announcement. The internet was also restored.”
“There is calm in the country and I pray that people remain calm,” Fr. Serge-Patrick Mabickassa further said, adding, “We must trust the transitional council for the restoration of institutions set up by the army, which we welcome because there was no bloodshed.”
