Military leaders in Gabon seized power on Wednesday and put the president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, under house arrest.Photo DW
The African Union (AU) has suspended Gabon from the continental bloc following the coup in the Central African state.
Before the AU suspension, Gabon’s military leaders said strongman Brice Oligui Nguema would be sworn in next week as “transitional president”.
Meanwhile, the country’s main opposition alliance urged the military to continue the election process which saw ousted president, Ali Bongo, emerge winner.
The AU’s political affairs, peace and security department said on X, formerly Twitter, the country was suspended from participating in all its activities, organs and institutions until the restoration of constitutional order.
The military rejected the results of the country’s general elections, held last weekend, saying it was fraudulent.
Mr Bongo was removed from power in a coup led by his cousin, Oligui Nguema, after a total of 56 years at the helm of affairs between him (Ali) and his father (Umar).
Writing by Julian Osamoto; Editing by Tony Okerafor and Daniel Adejo