Gabon army officers seize power, ending Bongo's 53-year reign

 By: News Peddlers

Ali Bongo's [Photo Credit: BlackPast]

Military forces deposed Gabonese President Ali Bongo, ending the Bongo family's 53-year hold on political power in the country.

Mr Bongo was deposed in a national broadcast by 12 soldiers.

The coup plotters identified themselves as the "Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions."

"In the name of the Gabonese people," the coup plotters declared, dissolving the electoral body, national assembly, and constitutional court.

After his father, Omar Bongo, died in 2009, Mr Bongo ascended to power.

Despite suffering a stroke in 2018, which prompted calls for for him to step down, Mr Bongo remained in power, holding another election and was named the winner on Saturday.