Gabonese army officers, under the aegis of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), have given reasons why they took over power from the West African country leader, President Ali Bongo.
The reasons were contained in the CTRI nationwide declaration of the military in Gabon rendered in French but translated to English entitled “Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace”.
The soldiers mentioned serious institutional, political, economic and social crises as factors responsible for the coup for the progress of the country.
The group said: “Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis.
“We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of August 26, 2023, did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon.
“Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos.
“Today, 30 August 2023, we, the defence and security forces, gathered as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions’ protection — have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime.
“To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice.
“All the institutions of the Republic are dissolved. In particular the Government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the economic, social and environmental council, the Gabonese Council for Elections.
“We call on the population, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon as well as the Gabonese of the diaspora for calm and serenity.
“We reaffirm our attachment to the respect of Gabon’s commitments vis-à-vis the national and international community.
“Gabonese people it is finally our flight towards happiness. May God and the ghosts of our ancestors bless Gabon.”
