Senior Gabonese military officers have appeared on a national television to announce their takeover of power, claiming that the recent general election lacked credibility.

While speaking on the Gabon 24 TV channel he group of 12 officers made the declaration after Gabon’s election body reported early on Wednesday morning, August 30, 2023, that President Ali Bongo had won a third term in office.

“After observing irresponsible, and unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos… we have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime,” one of the soldiers said.

Gabon’s army officers who claimed to have seized power say that the country is on the road to happiness, adding that, Libreville will respect its commitments to the national and international community.

“We call for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora. We reaffirm our commitment to respecting Gabon’s commitments to the national and international community. People of Gabon, we are finally on the road to happiness,” an officer reading a statement on state TV said.

One of the army officers speaking on behalf of a Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, further announced the closure of Gabon’s borders until further notice.

“The borders are closed until further notice,” the soldier said.

The incumbent Gabonese President, Ali Bongo Ondimba, has been in power for the last 14 years.

In July 2023, members of Niger’s Presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace and appeared on national television saying they were seizing power to end the deteriorating security situation and bad governance.

Other African countries that have also faced coups in the recent years include Mali, Chad, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, among others.