(VOVWORLD) - African leaders are scrambling to deal with a recent military coup in Gabon as the international community expressed deep concern over the situation in the West African state.
 Gabon's security force during a patrol on the street of capital city Libreville after the military coup on August 30, 2023 (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council said it has decided to “immediately suspend” Gabon following the military coup in the country this week until its constitutional order is restored.
Central African regional bloc ECCAS called for a rapid return to constitutional order and condemned the use of force as a mean to resolve political conflicts. The bloc also announced the imminent convening of a peace and security council to discuss the issue, but has yet to announce an official schedule.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the situation in Gabon is a big issue for Europe but announced that at the moment the European Union has no plans to evacuate citizens from Gabon.
Spokesman for Nigeria President and West African Regional Block ECOWAS Chair Bola Tinubu said the President is working very closely and continuing to communicate with other heads of state in the African Union toward a comprehensive consensus on the next steps forward.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in a statement said that the United States is deeply concerned by evolving events in Gabon and remains strongly opposed to military seizures or unconstitutional transfers of power.
He urged those responsible to release and ensure the safety of members of government and their families and to preserve civilian rule. Miller also called on all actors to show restraint and respect for human rights and to address their concerns peacefully through dialogue following the announcement of election results.
The military group behind the coup in Gabon announced on Thursday a ceremony to transfer power to General Brice Oligui Nguema, President of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions. The ceremony is set to be held on Monday.
Gabon’s opposition party called on the military to complete the counting of ballots from last weekend’s general elections. It claims the results will show opposition leader Ondo Ossa's victory in the vote, and not the ousted President Ali Bongo as previously announced. The opposition party urged the military to work together to find the best solution for the country and allow it to emerge stronger.