Gabon’s deposed president, Ali Bongo Ondimba has called on his “friends all over the world to make noise” while under house arrest following a coup in the central African country. A video from an anonymous source shows Bongo distressed and making a plea for help.
“I’m Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon and I’m to send a message to all the friends that we have, all over the world to tell them to make noise, to make noise, for the people here have arrested me and my family. My son is somewhere, my wife is in another place and I’m at the residence” Bongo said.
“Right now, I’m under residence (arrest, ed.) and nothing happening, and nothing is happening, I don’t know what… what’s going on. So, I’m calling you to make noise, to make noise, to make noise really. I’m… I’m thanking you, thank you.” he concluded.
While ousted Ondimba was still calling for help, citizens of Gabon poured onto the streets to show their support for the group of officers who formed the “Comité de Transition et de Restauration des Institutions” (Transition and Institutional Restoration Committee).
The military’s actions have gained momentum, as many believe that in times of national instability, the military’s allegiance aligns with the majority. This show of unity has led citizens to rally behind the military’s decision, emphasizing their shared support for the Gabonese army.
One protester voiced their conviction, stating, “Today, our army has sided with us. We have risen as one to say that we support the Gabonese army. And we warn the countries plotting lies and deception who are going to attack our military, that we are going to form ourselves into soldiers, because in times of war you need valiant men, and we are valiant men.”
Simultaneously, the “Comité de Transition et de Restauration des Institutions” released a communiqué via state television, disclosing that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had been placed under “house arrest.”
The committee further divulged the detainment of individuals in close proximity to the president, which included his son Nourredine Valentin Bongo and several key aides.
Gabon finds itself in a state of upheaval as military officers take control and depose President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The quiet streets of Libreville are a testament to the uncertainty that grips the nation.
As citizens rally behind the Transition and Institutional Restoration Committee, the immediate future of Gabon remains uncertain, with many wondering how this unprecedented situation will evolve in the days to come.
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