World concerned after declaration of coup in Gabon

The international community has voiced concerns following a military takeover in Gabon on Wednesday when military leaders said they had placed President Ali Bongo Ondimba under house arrest and named an army general as the transitional leader of the Central African country.

Earlier, the national electoral body announced Bongo had won a third term. However, the military declared on state television the election results were canceled, state institutions dissolved, and all borders closed until further notice.

Military leaders agreed by unanimous vote to appoint Brice Oligui Nguema, commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, as president of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, said Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the committee's spokesman.

According to local media, gunfire was heard in the capital of Libreville.

Bongo, 64, once served as minister of defense and other posts in the government. He was elected president of the Gabonese Republic in 2009 and was reelected in 2016.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres condemned the coup, and called on military leaders to ensure the safety of Bongo and his family.

"The secretary-general calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint, engage in an inclusive and meaningful dialogue and ensure that the rule of law and human rights are fully respected. He also calls on the national army and security forces to guarantee the physical integrity of the president and his family," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

In another statement, chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki expressed great concern over the situation in Gabon and strongly condemned the coup attempt as a way to solve the post-electoral crisis. He called on all political, civil and military actors in Gabon to give priority to peaceful political avenues, and a rapid return to democratic constitutional order in the country.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, called on parties in Gabon to focus on the fundamental interests of the country and the people, resolve differences peacefully through dialogue and restore normal order as soon as possible. He also urged parties involved to guarantee the personal safety of president Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the events in Gabon were being followed with "great concern". He said it was too early to call it part of a trend or a "domino effect" in military takeovers on the continent.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday it is hoped the situation in Gabon will return to stability. She also advised Russians to temporarily avoid traveling to this country, if there is no urgent need.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said France is following the situation closely. Spokesman of the French government Olivier Veran has condemned the coup, noting France "reiterates its desire to see the results of the election respected".

On Thursday, Angolan President Joao Lourenco was expected to travel to the Republic of the Congo to discuss the situation in Gabon with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, Angola Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Describing the military coup in Gabon as "surprising", Lourenco said "some instability has arisen in our brother country", according to the Angolan presidency's Facebook page.

European Union foreign ministers were scheduled to meet in Spain to discuss their response to last month's coup in Niger — including possible sanctions — as they also consider news of military officers declaring they have seized power in Gabon.

In a video clip released on Wednesday afternoon, Bongo said he is at his residence while his wife and son are in other places.

"Nothing is happening. I don't know what is going on. So I am calling on you to make noise. I'm thanking you," Bongo said in his first public appearance since the coup.

Xinhua and agencies contributed to this story.