Coup: Gabonese army's explanation for ousting President Ali Bongo. Read Full Article
The rationale behind why Gabonese army commanders serving under the supervision of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions would succeed President Ali Bongo as head of state was shown on national television on Wednesday morning.
The soldiers highlighted that major institutional, political, economic, and social difficulties were the coup's primary causes and that it was "necessary" for the growth of the West African nation.
In a speech presented to the entire country in French but translated into English by AFP, the junta proclaimed, "Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace."
There is a catastrophic institutional, political, economic, and social crisis affecting the whole country right now.
We must thus admit that the general election setup on August 26, 2023, did not adhere to the standards for a transparent, credible, and inclusive ballot that the Gabonese people had hoped for.
"In addition, there is sloppy and unpredictable governance, which has a detrimental effect on social cohesiveness and increases the risk of totalitarianism in the country.
"We, the defense and security forces, assembled 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 the peace by overthrowing the current regime," they declared.
The general elections on August 26, 2023, as well as the results that were abbreviated, are therefore null and void.
The borders are now closed.
The junta ordered the dissolution of all national institutions, including the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, and the Gabonese Elections Centre.
The general population, as well as the communities of sister nations that have settled in Gabon and the Gabonese diaspora, were consequently urged to maintain calm and composure.
"We reiterate our commitment to honoring Gabon's responsibilities to its people and to the international community.
"Gabon folks, we have reached the place where happiness is.
"May God bless Gabon and the souls of our ancestors. Honesty and loyalty to our nation.
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