The Gabonese junta made an announcement on Saturday, declaring the reopening of the country’s land, sea, and air borders.
They stated that this decision was driven by their commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining positive relations with neighboring countries and the international community.
During a televised address, the army spokesperson emphasized that this move was also aimed at honoring the country’s international obligations. The borders had been closed as part of the military coup that occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the removal of President Ali Bongo from power.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, along with other military officers, assumed control during the coup. They placed President Bongo under house arrest and appointed Nguema as the new Head of State, ending the Bongo family’s 56-year rule.
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The coup leaders cited various crises, including institutional, political, economic, and social issues, as the reasons behind their actions. They identified themselves as members of the Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) and declared the dissolution of all republican institutions.
The closure of the country’s borders accompanied their seizure of power. This coup marks the eighth in West and Central Africa in the past three years, raising concerns about the spread of military takeovers in the region, which have reversed democratic progress achieved over the last two decades.
International pressure has been mounting on the coup leaders to reinstate civilian governance, but they have indicated that they will not rush into holding elections. President Ali Bongo, who took office in 2009, succeeded his late father Omar, who had been in power since 1967. Critics argue that the Bongo family has not adequately shared Gabon’s wealth from oil and mining resources.