Military officers in
Gabon early today morning seized the national radio station in an apparent coup
attempt.
According to BBC, the officers read a statement on the radio station announcing
a “National Restoration Council”.
The soldiers, while condemning President Ali Bongo’s New Year’s speech, alluded
their coup attempt as a plot “to restore democracy”.
President Bongo, who rose to the country’s top seat in 2009, was reported ill
towards late last year and received treatment in Morocco.
He, however, sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New
Year message saying he was fine.
But, according to the military officers, the message was “a pitiful sight” and
a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”
International media outlets also reported tanks and armed vehicles on the
streets of the capital Libreville for the better part of Monday morning.
