BERLIN: Germany has condemned the coup in Gabon while admitting there were legitimate concerns with the elections which preceded the army takeover of the African country, Western media reported on Wednesday.
Germany Denounces Gabon Coup Despite Concerns Over Elections
In a statement, Germany’s foreign ministry said that it was not up to the army to interfere by force in the political process. It further said people in the country must be able to autonomously and freely decide about their future.
Gabon’s President Ali Bongo has appealed for support following the military deposed him in a coup and also put him under house arrest. Earlier, several military officers appeared on Television to say they had taken the government in the country. The officials said they had cancelled the results of Saturday’s polls in which Bongo was acknowledged the winner, but the opposition leader claimed it was fake. The army officers said that they had also captured one of Bongo’s sons for sedition.
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Later, the officers announced that Bongo would be replaced by the chief of the presidential guard, Gen Brice Oligui Nguema. Bongo’s overthrow would end his family’s 55 years hold on government in the African country.
The nation is one of Africa’s key oil producers, while about 90% of it is covered by forests. The country joined the Commonwealth in June 2022.
