Military in Gabon says it has seized power from ill president

Early Monday, soldiers in Gabon took control of the national radio station, and in a brief message declared that the military has seized power of the West African country.

The coup had to be done in order to "restore democracy," the soldiers said, and a "National Restoration Council" has been formed. In the capital city of Libreville, there are tanks and armed vehicles in the streets, BBC News reports.

President Ali Bongo rose to power after his father, dictator Omar Bongo, died in 2009. He reportedly had a stroke in October and went to Morocco for treatment. He delivered an address for the New Year, telling the country he was doing well, but the soldiers said it was really a "relentless attempt to cling onto power" and "a pitiful sight."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up