China called on Wednesday for “the parties concerned” in Gabon to “guarantee the security” of President Ali Bongo Ondimba following the military coup in the oil-rich central African country.
“China is closely following the developments in Gabon and calls on the parties concerned to act in the fundamental interest of the Gabonese people,” said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese diplomacy, during a press conference. The spokesperson urged various actors to “peacefully resolve their disputes through dialogue, to immediately return to normal order, and to ensure the personal safety of Ali Bongo.”
Mr. Bongo was elected in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had led Gabon for more than 41 years. On Wednesday, the Gabonese authorities had just announced his reelection with 64.27% of the votes when a group of about a dozen military personnel appeared on the screens of Gabon 24 television to announce the “end of the current regime.”
Ali Bongo, 64 years old, whose fate was not immediately known, had traveled to Beijing in April. Chinese President Xi Jinping had then referred to him as a “long-time friend” of China and praised his “significant achievements” in development.
