Russia Expresses Concern over Situation in Gabon Amidst Coup

This video grab taken from Gabon 24 shows Gabonese soldiers appearing on television on August 30, 2023 announcing they were "putting an end to the current regime" and the cancellation of an election that, according to official results, President Ali Bongo Ondimba won. - During the announcement, AFP journalists heard gunfire ring out in the Gabonese capital, Libreville. While announcing the cancellation of the results one of the soldiers announced the dissolution of "all the institutions of the republic". "We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime", one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions". "To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added. "All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice". Among the soldiers were members of the Republican Guard as well as soldiers of the regular army and police officers. (Photo by - / Gabon 24 / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / GABON 24" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / GABON 24" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS /

By Daniel Edu

Russia has officially conveyed its concerns regarding the unfolding events in Gabon, following the abrupt takeover by the military on Wednesday. The military’s assumption of power took place in the early hours, resulting in the seizure of authority from President Bongo.

In a statement broadcasted on national television, the coup leaders disclosed that President Bongo had been placed under house arrest, and one of his sons had been detained on charges of treason.

Addressing the press, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated, “Moscow has received reports of a significant deterioration in the internal situation of the African nation we consider a friend. We are carefully monitoring the evolving scenario and remain optimistic about its swift stabilization.”

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, noted that Moscow is maintaining a close watch on the developments unfolding in Gabon.

As part of its efforts to enhance diplomatic and trade relations with Africa, Russia, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, held a summit with African leaders just last month.

France Responds to Military Uprising in Gabon

In response to the military coup that ousted democratically elected President Bongo from power in Gabon, France has issued its reaction. The Prime Minister of France, Elisabeth Borne, conveyed the nation’s vigilant attention towards the unfolding situation in Gabon following the coup.

The situation in Gabon has attracted international concern, with countries like Russia and France closely monitoring the events as they unfold.