Military officers in Gabon took control of the country through a televised announcement on Wednesday.

The officers stated that they were annulling the results of the recent election, where President Ali Bongo was declared the winner.

Identifying themselves as members of the CTRI (The Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions), they asserted that their actions were aimed at defending peace by ending the current regime.

President Ali Bongo, who has been in power for 14 years, faced allegations of electoral irregularities from his main challenger, Albert Ondo Ossa, who claimed to be the rightful winner with 30.77% of the vote.

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The military’s move comes after 53 years of Bongo family rule in Gabon. Ali Bongo took office in 2009 following the passing of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had governed the nation for 41 years.

The officers announced the dissolution of all institutions of the republic and closed the country’s borders indefinitely.

They cited a crisis in institutions, politics, economics, and society, claiming that the general elections of August 26, 2023, did not meet the criteria for a transparent, credible, and inclusive vote.

The military’s statement included a call for calm and reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to its national and international obligations.

The military’s intervention has significant implications for the political landscape in Gabon, potentially marking a significant shift in the country’s leadership and governance.