August 30 (THEWILL) – Gabonese Putschists operating under the auspices of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions have arrested Noureddin Bongo Valentin, one of the sons of ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
The military leaders said Noureddin Bongo Valentin, Bongo’s chief of staff, Ian Ghislain Ngoulou, as well as his deputy, two other presidential advisers and the two top officials in the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) were arrested for treason, embezzlement, corruption and falsifying the president’s signature, among other allegations.
THEWILL earlier reported that the military, on Wednesday, announced a coup in Gabon, deposing President Bongo, who was declared winner of Saturday’s controversial election.
“President Ali Bongo is under house arrest, surrounded by his family and doctors,” they said in a statement read out on State TV.
The Putschists had said the sack of President Bongo was “necessary” for the development of the West African nation and that significant institutional, political, economic, and social difficulties were the main causes of it.
“Our lovely country, Gabon, has always 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, 30 August 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 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled.
“The borders are closed until further notice,” the junta said in a speech delivered on national television on Wednesday, adding that all the institutions of the country be dissolved including the Federal Government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the Gabonese Elections Centre.
While appealing for calm from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora, the Putschists further reaffirmed their “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,” they added.
