EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, voiced concern about the possible coup in Gabon, saying it could further destabilize the West African region.
Speaking in Toledo, Spain, at an EU defense ministers meeting, Borrell indicated that the situation in Gabon would be discussed but did not specify the EU’s official response. Earlier, some military officials in Gabon announced plans to take over the government after President Ali Bongo Ondimba secured a third term in office.
Military leaders in Gabon have announced that they are taking control of the government and have placed President Ali Bongo Ondimba under house arrest.
This development follows a series of coups in Africa, including a recent one in Niger. The soldiers, who identified themselves as part of the Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions, appeared on national TV to declare their intent to overturn the outcome of the presidential election and remove the current president, whose family has been in power for over five decades.
If successful, this would be the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020, with previous coups occurring in countries like Niger, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Chad.
The military officers stated they speak for all Gabonese defense and security forces, and announced the nullification of election results, closure of all borders, and dissolution of state institutions.
