Gabon soldiers seize radio station in ‘coup attempt’

The military seized the state-owned radio station in Libreville, capital of Gabon on Monday morning.

Shortly after taking over the station, a soldier identified as Kelly Obiang announced the creation of a “National Restoration Council”.

Obiang read a speech, condemning President Ali Bongo’s new year speech.

]RFI radio reported that the military had arrived at the office of the broadcaster at about 4am local time.

Obiang said he was reading a communique on behalf of the army.

The statement said a New Year’s address by Bongo “reinforced doubts about the president’s ability to continue to carry out of the responsibilities of his office”.

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