Soldiers cancel election after ousting Ali Bongo in Gabon

A group of twelve Gabonese soldiers made a televised announcement, signaling a bold move to seize control of the nation and declare the cancellation of the recent presidential election results. The announcement, punctuated by the sound of gunfire reverberating through the capital city of Libreville, underscored the seriousness of the situation.

Addressing the nation on TV channel Gabon 24, one of the soldiers, speaking on behalf of the “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions,” proclaimed the end of the current regime and the dissolution of key institutions of the republic. The soldiers asserted that they were acting to protect peace and stability by nullifying the results of the general elections held on August 26, 2023, in which President Ali Bongo Ondimba was officially declared the winner.

In a swift and shocking move, the soldiers announced the dissolution of the government, the Senate, the National Assembly, and the Constitutional Court. They also declared the immediate closure of the country’s borders “until further notice.”

The tense atmosphere accompanying this announcement was punctuated by reports of gunfire erupting in multiple districts of Libreville, heightening concerns over the unfolding situation.

The dramatic declaration comes shortly after the national election authority confirmed President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s victory for a third term, securing 64.27 percent of the vote. His main contender, Albert Ondo Ossa, garnered 30.77 percent, according to official results. However, Ondo Ossa had previously denounced alleged fraud orchestrated by Bongo’s camp and prematurely claimed victory before the polls closed.

The Gabonese law prohibits the publication of partial election results until the final result is released by the Gabonese Elections Centre. To maintain order and prevent the spread of misinformation and potential violence, Bongo’s government had implemented a curfew and a nationwide internet shutdown before the election results were officially announced.