World Reaction To Military Coup In Gabon

World Reaction To Military Coup In Gabon

Mutinous soldiers have claimed to seize control in Gabon, placing President Ali Bongo Ondimba under house arrest shortly after he was declared the victor in an election that would have extended his family’s 55-year rule in the oil-rich Central African country.

In a video seemingly from his residence, President Ali Bongo Ondimba appealed for support, urging people to “make noise.” However, crowds took to the streets and sang the national anthem in celebration of the coup attempt against a dynasty accused of amassing wealth from the nation’s resources while many of its citizens struggle.

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Bongo has held office for two terms since assuming power in 2009 after his father’s 41-year rule. The international response to his ousting was as follows:

France: French government spokesman Olivier Veran condemned the ongoing military coup and emphasized the importance of respecting the election’s outcome.

United States: White House national security spokesman John Kirby expressed deep concern and pledged support for democratic ideals expressed by African people.

European Union: Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, stated that the situation in Gabon would be discussed by the bloc’s ministers and noted the potential for increased regional instability due to the coup.

African Union: Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the African Union Commission, condemned the coup attempt and called for a return to democratic constitutional order.

China: China called on relevant parties to restore normalcy, ensure President Bongo’s safety, and maintain national peace and stability.

Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed concern for Gabon’s stability and the spread of apparent autocratic tendencies in the continent.

Commonwealth of Nations: Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland deemed the coup attempt an illegal power grab and underscored the importance of upholding democracy and the rule of law.

Russia: The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern and hoped for the swift stabilization of the situation in Gabon.

Spain: Acting Defence Minister Margarita Robles of Spain indicated a review of peacekeeping missions in Africa following coups in Niger and Gabon.

Egypt: The Egyptian Foreign Ministry monitored developments in Gabon and called for upholding national interest to preserve the country’s security and stability.

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the coup attempt, opposing military coups as a means of resolving post-electoral crises.

Credit: Al Jazeera