Britain condemns military coup in Gabon

LONDON

The British government condemned the military coup in Gabon in a statement issued late Wednesday.

The UK “condemns the unconstitutional military takeover of power in Gabon and calls for the restoration of (the) constitutional government.”

“We acknowledge concerns raised regarding the recent electoral process, including restrictions on media freedom, and urge all parties and citizens to commit to and follow legal and constitutional processes to resolve any electoral disputes,” it added.

A group of military officers seized power in Gabon on Wednesday, denouncing the "irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuous deterioration of social cohesion, which risks leading the country into chaos."

According to a statement read out on state television by the military junta, called the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), President Ali Bongo is being kept "under house arrest, surrounded by his family and doctors."

The coup followed the announcement of official election results showing Bongo winning a third term in office following the country’s election on Saturday.

The military, however, announced a cancellation of the results and the dissolution of the country’s institutions amid reports of gunfire in the capital Libreville.

Gabon is the latest country in Africa to experience a military takeover after members of Niger’s military seized power late last month.