There are reports of military coup in Gabon as the military seized state-owned radio station in the capital, Libreville, and a soldier read a speech, condemning President Ali Bongo’s New Year speech.
The soldier, identified as Lieutenant Kelly Ondo Obiang, announced the creation of a ‘National Restoration Council’, Radio France International reported.
RFI reported that the military had arrived at the office of the broadcaster at about 4:00am local time. Tanks and armoured vehicles could be seen on the streets of Libreville.
Lt. Obiang said he was reading a communiqué on behalf of the Army.
The communiqué said that a New Year’s address by President Ali Bongo “reinforced doubts about the president’s ability to continue to carry out of the responsibilities of his office”.
Stroke-hit Bongo is at present not in the country.
Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba was hospitalised in Riyadh on 24 October.
READ ALSO: NEMA donates relief materials to Zamfara IDPs
The 59-year-old president is currently undergoing a recovery treatment in Morocco.
President Ali Bongo took over power in 2009 from his father.
He had sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a televised New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine and was preparing to meet the nation again.
Though he appeared to have delivered his speech effortlessly, media outlets pointed to the fact that the president’s lower body was not shown, thus fuelling further speculation about his ability to perform his duties.
The soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”
The insurgents called on soldiers to take control of the transport system, ammunition reserves and airports “for the good of the country”reports Radio France Internationale. (NAN)
