Gabon government foils attempted coup

The government of Gabon on Monday declared that it was in control after an attempted coup by army rebels and that it had arrested most of those involved.

Government spokesperson Guy-Bertrand Mapangou told journalists that calm has returned adding that ‘the situation is under control’.

Earlier, the rebels had seized the state broadcaster and announced that it had overthrown President Ali Bongo ‘to restore democracy’ to the country.

Appearing on State Television, military representatives declared that they had taken over government to salvage a country that has to date only known President Bongo’s iron fist leadership style.

In a message on state radio, military officers declared their disillusionment with Bongo’s leadership.

Bongo is recovering from a stroke in Morocco.

“We harbor doubts about the president’s ability to continue to carry out of the responsibilities of his office”, said Lieutenant Kelly Ondo Obiang, the leader of the self-styled Patriotic Movement of the Defence and Security Forces of Gabon.

The radio message was broadcast at about 4.30am local time (0530 GMT), and the TV message shortly afterwards.

Gunshots could be heard around the national television station after the announcement.

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Bongo, 59, was hospitalised in October in Saudi Arabia after suffering a stroke. He has been in Morocco since November to continue treatment.