On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, around twelve soldiers announced the end of Ali Bongo’s regime, who had just been reelected for a new term. Some time later, the former president, who is now under house arrest, is reported to have spoken.
In a video shared by Libération, Ali Bongo urges his supporters to “make some noise.” A journalist from Jeune Afrique posted the video on X (formerly Twitter), showing the politician in what appears to be a living room, likely within his place of confinement.
“I am arrested by people here, myself and my family. My son is elsewhere, my wife is elsewhere, and I am under house arrest. I am not sure what is happening. I ask you to make some noise. Thank you,” says the former Gabonese president.
It’s worth noting that following the military’s announcement, France condemned the coup, China called for the protection of the deposed president’s integrity, and Russia stated that it would closely monitor the situation.
