The ruling party in Gabon has said that ailing President Ali Bongo Ondimba will return to the country “very soon” after a coup attempt that happened early this week.
Gabonese Democratic Party secretary-general Eric Dodo Bounguendza spoke after authorities inspected the bloody scene where soldiers had briefly taken over the state radio station on Monday. The Republican Guard members encouraged youth to help them “restore democracy” in the oil-rich country.
Authorities have said eight plotters were arrested and two killed when special forces stormed the scene and released hostages. Security Minister Guy Bertrand Mapangou said the eight have been handed over to the public prosecutor.
Despite the capital Libreville being calm on Wednesday, some concerns have remained. Bongo is recovering in Morocco after it was reported that he had a stroke in October.
Opposition figure Louis Gaston Mayila asked: “Who really heads Gabon?”
