The seizure of power by the military in Gabon represents a clear breach of the African Union’s (AU) regulations, according to a prominent AU official.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairman of the AU Commission, is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed significant concern, as stated in a released statement.
He “strongly condemns the coup attempt in the country as a way of resolving its crisis current post-election”.
The statement further emphasizes the necessity for the military and security forces to ensure “the physical safety of the president of the republic,” as well as his family members and other government officials.
The commissioner refrains from explicitly advocating for President Bongo’s reinstatement, opting instead to urge “all political, civilian, and military stakeholders in Gabon to support peaceful political avenues that facilitate the swift restoration of democratic constitutional governance.”
Gabon has held membership in the AU, a coalition of 55 African nations, since 1963.