Shocking Turn of Events: Political Turmoil Unfolds in Gabon Just Hours After Elections!

In Gabon, mere hours after the closing of the polls, a thunderous political earthquake struck. A group of military personnel made an audacious declaration: the very elections that had seemingly secured President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s grip on power for an astounding 14 years were now null and void.

This gripping tale unfolds on the backdrop of an already embattled African continent, grappling with the tumultuous events in Niger. But now, a fresh surge of instability surges through the veins of the diminutive nation of Gabon.

In this country of just over two million souls, a contingent composed of a dozen soldiers and police officers boldly announced the dissolution of the election results, the dismantling of all Republic institutions, and the dramatic end of the existing regime.

The bombshell of a coup arrived like a shockwave, barely a heartbeat after the official results of the Saturday’s presidential elections were unveiled. With a staggering 64.27% of the votes, the incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba secured his third term, a tenure totaling an incredible 14 years.

The military faction orchestrating this upheaval didn’t mince words. They branded Bongo’s government as “reckless and unpredictable,” a regime that has steadily eroded social cohesion and driven the nation to the precipice of chaos. Thus, the insurgent group, identifying themselves as the “Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions,” opted to dismantle the incumbent regime. All facets of the Republic’s framework were dissolved: government, Senate, National Assembly, and even the Constitutional Court. The nation’s borders slammed shut, awaiting further directives.

As the coup announcement echoed, gunshots shattered the air in various corners of Libreville, the bustling capital of Gabon. Among the military ranks, figures from the Republican Guard (GR), identifiable by their distinct green berets, mingled with regular soldiers and law enforcement officers.

The presidential election’s outcome painted a picture of undeniable dominance for Ali Bongo Ondimba, securing 64.27% of the vote share. In stark contrast, his primary contender, Albert Ondo Ossa, merely scraped together 30.77% of the electorate’s favor.

Meanwhile, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs diligently keeps tabs on the Gabonese crisis post-coup. With the Italian Embassy in Libreville operating at full throttle, compatriots within Gabon’s borders are urged to exercise caution. In the face of emergencies, a lifeline is available through Crisis Unit at +39 06 36225. The situation in Gabon remains on a knife’s edge, and the world watches with bated breath as the nation’s destiny hangs in the balance.