The military has taken over the West African oil-rich country, Gabon where the ailing leader’s family has ruled for 50 years
Soldiers in the west African country of Gabon say they launched a coup “to restore democracy”.
They took control of the national radio station in the early hours of today to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.
Military vehicles and men have been on the streets of the capital Libreville.
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President Ali Bongo took over power in 2009. He reportedly suffered a stroke in October and received treatment in Morocco.
The Bongo family has governed the oil-rich equatorial African nation for five decades.
Ali Bongo was elected head of state after his father’s death in 2009.
He was narrowly re-elected in 2016 following a presidential poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud.
Mr Bongo sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine.
Soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”
“We cannot abandon our homeland,” he said.
“The eagerly awaited day has arrived when the army has decided to put itself on the side of the people in order to save Gabon from chaos.
“If you are eating, stop; if you are having a drink, stop; if you are sleeping, wake up. Wake up your neighbours… rise up as one and take control of the street.”
