Gabon’s president to return ‘very soon,’ says ruling party

Africa

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.

 

In this image from TV, a soldier who identified himself as Lt. Obiang Ondo Kelly, commander of the Republican Guard, reads a statement on state television broadcast from Libreville, Gabon, saying the military has seized control of the government. File picture: Gabon State TV via AP

 

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?”

 

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