In a televised address on Wednesday morning, Gabonese army officers provided insight into the motives driving their assumption of power from President Ali Bongo. The soldiers cited significant institutional, political, economic, and social crises as the driving forces behind the coup, which they deemed a “necessary” step for the nation’s advancement.
Delivering their message in French but subsequently translated to English by AFP, the junta conveyed, “Gabon, our cherished nation, has long been a sanctuary of tranquility. However, our country currently faces grave challenges across its institutions, politics, economy, and society. Regrettably, the general elections held on August 26, 2023, did not meet the prerequisites for a transparent, credible, and inclusive vote that our people ardently anticipated.”
The statement continued, “Coupled with this situation is an administration marked by irresponsibility and unpredictability, which has led to an ongoing deterioration in social cohesion, carrying the risk of plunging the nation into turmoil. Today, on August 30, 2023, we, the defense and security forces, united as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), acting on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guardians of the institutions, are compelled to safeguard peace by ending the current regime.”
“In light of this decision, the general elections held on August 26, 2023, along with their incomplete outcomes, stand null and void. Our borders shall remain closed until further notice,” the junta declared.
The junta further proclaimed the dissolution of all national institutions, encompassing the Federal Government, Senate, National Assembly, Constitutional Court, Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and the Gabonese Elections Centre.
Amidst these developments, the junta appealed for calm and composure from the public, as well as the communities of neighboring nations residing in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora. “We reiterate our commitment to upholding Gabon’s obligations to both the national and international communities. People of Gabon, we are now embarked on a journey towards prosperity. May our nation be blessed by God and the spirits of our ancestors. Let honor and loyalty be bestowed upon our homeland.”