Full Statement by Gabon Military Officers Declaring ‘End of Regime’ Released
On television on Wednesday, a group of Gabon Military officers and soldiers declared they were “putting an end to the government” and invalidating the results of a recent election.
The statement, which was read aloud by one of the Gabon Military officers on the Gabon 24 television channel, is translated from French as follows:
“Our stunning nation, Gabon, has consistently been a refuge of peace.
“Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic, and social crisis.
“We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of August 26, 2023, did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible, and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon.
“Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos.
Today, August 30, 2023, we—the defence and security forces, gathered 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 peace by putting an end to the current regime.
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“To this end, the general elections of August 26, 2023, and the truncated results are cancelled.
“The borders are closed until further notice.
“All the institutions of the Republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, and the Gabonese Elections Centre.
“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.
“May God and the spirits of our ancestors bless Gabon. Honour and loyalty to our homeland.
“Thank you.”
AFP
