The Gabonese President Ali Bongo was overthrown by a group of military officers on Wednesday. The coup took an even more dramatic twist as reports emerged revealing that not only was President Bongo ousted, but his son was also apprehended on charges of “treason” alongside his associates.
The unfolding scenario saw a dozen soldiers taking to national television to declare the government’s overthrow, and in an unexpected move, they detained President Bongo’s son, citing allegations of treason, embezzlement, corruption, and even falsification of the president’s signature. Additionally, President Ali Bongo himself was reported to be under house arrest, with his family and medical professionals present.
Among those arrested were Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the president’s son and a trusted advisor, Ian Ghislain Ngoulou, the chief of staff, along with the deputy chief and two other key presidential advisers. Furthermore, two high-ranking officials from the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) were also taken into custody.
This swift military takeover in Gabon reflects a larger trend spreading across West and Central Africa. While tensions continue to brew from the Niger crisis that transpired on July 26, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) grapples with the mounting challenges of maintaining stability in the region.