Coup Rationale Revealed: Gabonese Army Explains Reasons for Ousting President Ali Bongo
On Wednesday morning, Gabonese army soldiers operating under the auspices of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions gave a national televised address outlining their plans to replace President Ali Bongo.
The soldiers emphasised that the coup was “essential” for the development of the West African nation and that major institutional, political, economic, and social difficulties were the main causes of it.
The junta declared in a speech delivered to the entire country in French but translated into English by AFP, “Our lovely country, Gabon, has always been a refuge of peace.
“The nation is currently experiencing a severe institutional, political, economic, and social crisis.
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“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 the peace by putting an end to the current regime.
“To this end, the general elections of August 26, 2023, and the truncated results are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice.”
The junta decided that 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, should be abolished.
They thus appealed for calm and composure from the general public, the sister country communities present in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora.
“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding Gabon’s obligations to the local, regional, and global communities.
“Gabonians, we are at last on the path to happiness.
May Gabon be blessed by God and the souls of our ancestors. Honor and devotion to our country.”
