On Wednesday morning, national television broadcast the reasons why Gabonese army officers working under the auspices of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions will replace President Ali Bongo as the nation’s leader.
The soldiers emphasized that the coup was “necessary” for the development of the West African nation and that serious institutional, political, economic, and social crises were the main causes of it.
The junta declared, “Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace,” in a speech delivered to the entire country in French but translated into English by AFP.
“The nation is currently experiencing a severe institutional, political, economic, and social crisis.
“We are thus compelled to acknowledge that the general election organization on August 26, 2023, did not meet the requirements for a transparent, credible, and inclusive ballot that the Gabonese people had hoped for.
“Additionally, careless and unpredictable governance is present, which has a negative impact on social cohesion and raises the possibility of totalitarianism in the nation.
“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 said.
“As a result, the general elections of August 26, 2023, and the results that were truncated, are canceled.
As of right now, the borders are closed.
All national institutions, including the Federal Government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and the Gabonese Elections Centre, were ordered to be dissolved by the junta.
They therefore appealed for calm and composure from the general public as well as from the communities of sister nations that have settled in Gabon and the Gabonese diaspora.
“We reaffirm our dedication to upholding Gabon’s obligations to both the domestic and global community.
“Gabon people, we have arrived at the destination of happiness.
“May God, and the souls of our ancestors, bless Gabon. Honesty and devotion to our country. “.
