Gabon rebel leader arrested, two soldiers killed after failed coup attempt

The leader of a rebel military group which staged a foiled coup in Gabon has been arrested and two of his commandos killed.

In a statement, the country’s presidency said the situation is under control as the coup attempt has been thwarted.

Earlier on Monday morning, a group of rebel soldiers led by one Kelly Obiang had seized the state-owned radio station in Libreville, capital of Gabon, announcing the creation of a “National Restoration Council”.

Obiang, who said he was reading a communique on behalf of the army, stated that a New Year’s Day address by President Ali Bongo “reinforced doubts about the president’s ability to continue to carry out of the responsibilities of his office”.

Subsequently, security operatives invaded the radio station to retake it from the rebels, freeing journalists who had been held stage.

“The situation is under control,” the presidency said, adding that hostages had been freed from the radio station.

Stroke-hit Bongo is at present not in the country. He is said to be recuperating in Morocco.