The Gabonese military has explained the reason behind the sudden taking over the Goverment via television broadcast on Wednesday, saying the irresponsible governance is leading the country into chaos.
In a French statement which was read out by one of the officer on Gabon 24 television channel said the military has announced “putting an end to the regime” and cancelling the results of a recent election.
The military who expressed dissatisfaction to the general elections of 26 August 2023, admitted that the organisation of the polls did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by people of Gabon.
Adding that this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos.
According to the readout statement: “Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace. Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis.
“We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of 26 August 2023 did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon.
“Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos.
“Today, 30 August 2023, we — the defence and security forces, gathered as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions’ protection — have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime.
“To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice.
“All the institutions of the Republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the Gabonese Elections Centre.
“We call for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora. We reaffirm our commitment to respecting Gabon’s commitments to the national and international community.
“People of Gabon, we are finally on the road to happiness. May God and the spirits of our ancestors bless Gabon. Honour and loyalty to our homeland. Thank you”, the statement ended.
Report has it that the current President Ali Bongo took over from his father, Umar Bongo, who was president from 1967 until his death in 2009.
While in President since then, supervised fraudulent elections, including the recent one held five days ago, which saw him emerge as the winner with 52% of the total votes cast, according to the country’s election management body.
Gabon’s government blocked internet access and imposed a curfew on Saturday after an election marked by major voting delays, as opposition cried foul over a poll they hoped would halt President Ali Bongo’s bid to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power.
The outcome of the election heightened tensions, forcing the military to intervene. “We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime,” one of the soldiers said during the declaration.
This, the Gabonese military junta added, was down to “irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos”.