Gabonese President Detained at Home; Son Arrested for “Treason”

In a shocking turn of events, Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, has been placed under house arrest while his son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, and other high-ranking officials are arrested on charges of “treason” and other alleged offenses.

This comes just hours after military officers declared the overthrow of the government, throwing the West African nation into turmoil.

The situation rapidly escalated as military officers announced the detention of President Ali Bongo Ondimba and the arrests of key figures within the government.

The detained officials, including Bongo’s close adviser, chief of staff, deputy, and top officials in the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party, are facing serious allegations ranging from treason to embezzlement, corruption, and falsifying the president’s signature.

This development follows closely on the heels of the presidential election held on Saturday, where President Bongo was declared the victor. However, military officers nullified the election results and dissolved “all the institutions of the republic” in a televised statement earlier on the same day.

The military officers, operating under the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, cited severe institutional, political, economic, and social crises as the reasons behind the coup. They described the situation as “necessary” for the progress of Gabon.

In a nationwide address broadcast in French and translated to English by AFP, the junta conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace. Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic, and social crisis.”

Furthermore, the officers declared the cancellation of the general elections held on August 26, 2023, and announced the temporary closure of the nation’s borders.

The unfolding events in Gabon have sent shockwaves through the international community, leaving uncertainty and apprehension about the future direction of the country. The detention of President Bongo and the arrests of high-ranking officials mark a significant turning point in Gabonese politics, raising questions about the stability and leadership of the nation.