A group of Gabonese officers and soldiers appeared on television on Wednesday to announce that they were “ending the regime” and nullifying the results of the recent elections. Read below the full statement read by one of the officers on Gabon 24 television, transcribed by AFP.
“Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace. Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic, and social crisis. It is therefore clear that the organization of the general elections on August 26, 2023, did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible, and inclusive vote as eagerly awaited by the Gabonese people.
In addition to this, there is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, which leads to a continuous deterioration of social cohesion, with the risk of pushing the country into chaos. Today, August 30, 2023, we, the defense and security forces, gathered within the Transitional and Restoration Committee of Institutions (CTRI), in the name of the Gabonese people and as guarantors of the protection of institutions, have decided to defend peace by ending the current regime.
“To this effect, the legislative elections of August 26, 2023, and the manipulated results are annulled. The borders are closed until further notice. All institutions of the Republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and the Gabonese Electoral Center.
“We call for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of brotherly countries residing in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora. We reaffirm our commitment to uphold Gabon’s obligations to the national and international community.
“Gabonese people, we are finally on the path to happiness. May God and the spirits of our ancestors bless Gabon. Honor and loyalty to our homeland. Thank you.”
