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The military announced the president's detainment on national television on Wednesday, resulting in mixed reactions of celebration and reports of gunfire within the city, coupled with international condemnation.
On Wednesday morning, a junta official confirmed on state television that Ali Bongo Ondimba is under house arrest, accompanied by his family and personal physicians.
The president's son, Nourredin Bongo Valentin, was arrested alongside six other individuals on charges of "high treason." Hours later, the junta's spokeswoman stated that these allegations would be further investigated.
After his detainment, a video surfaced, aired by the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency, where the president urged his allies to "make noise" and mentioned the uncertain whereabouts of his family. Shot in a location resembling a library, Bongo expressed his confusion about ongoing events.
While the context of the video remains unclear, AFP broadcasted footage of troops celebrating in the coup leader's hometown of Libreville. The leader was seen elevated on the soldiers' shoulders, who chanted "president."
Oligui mentioned that military generals would convene on Wednesday to determine the transitional leadership. He also clarified that President Ali Bongo Ondimba, commonly referred to as Ali Bongo, has "retired" and is living as an ordinary Gabonese citizen. However, he did not further comment on the president's house arrest status following a junta spokesperson's statement. Ali Bongo was the declared victor of a prior election.
The announcement was broadcasted live on Gabon24. The officers, representing the nation's "defense and security forces," were viewed on CNN on X, formerly Twitter. The broadcast featured a military leader asserting that the "CTRI (Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions) has opted to uphold peace by terminating the current regime in favor of the Gabonese people and as a guardian of institutions."
The broadcast also conveyed the military's intent to nullify election outcomes, close national borders, and shut down all domestic institutions. The official urged the Gabonese populace to maintain peace and calm.
The sudden and dramatic turn of events in Gabon highlights the delicate nature of political stability in some regions. As the Gabonese military takes control, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments and hoping for a peaceful resolution. The consequences of this coup could resonate not only within Gabon but also influence geopolitical dynamics in the broader African continent.