Gabon reopens borders

Gabonese soldiers gather in the capital Libreville on September 2.

AFP news agency reported on September 2 that the Gabon military said it would reopen the border that had been sealed off after the military staged a coup to overthrow former President Ali Bongo.

A spokesman for the Central African country's ruling military announced that they had "decided with immediate effect to reopen its land, sea and air borders" on September 2.

On August 30, a group of 12 Gabonese officers announced that the border would be closed until further notice.

Earlier that day, General Brice Oligui Nguema, leader of the Gabonese Republican Guard, led a coup to overthrow Ali Bongo, whose family had ruled for 55 years.

The coup came after Mr Bongo, 64, won the presidential election on August 26, which was accused of fraud by the opposition. The group of officers announced on television that they were taking over power and ending Mr Bongo's government.

Mr Oligui said President Ali Bongo "has been retired". "He has every right. He is a normal Gabonese citizen like everyone else," Mr Oligui said.

In a video broadcast on state television, Mr Oligui was lifted up by hundreds of soldiers shouting "Oligui, president".

Mr. Oligui is expected to be sworn in as "transitional president" on September 4. Previously, five other African countries including Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced coups in the past three years.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/gabon-mo-cua-bien-gioi-tro-lai-185230902220453683.htm