Mixed reactions trail military Coup in Gabon
By Iyanu Ojuri
Mixed reactions have trailed the military coup which toppled the government of Ali Bongo, President of Gabon on Wednesday.
Reacting, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, said, “It is deeply concerning to hear reports of an illegal takeover of power in Gabon.
“The Commonwealth Charter is clear that member states must uphold the rule of law and the principles of democracy at all times and the Commonwealth Secretariat will be keenly monitoring the situation.”
The French Government on Wednesday condemned the action, stressing its commitment to free and transparent elections.
Spokesperson to the French Government, Olivier Veran, said: “We condemn the military coup and recall our commitment to free and transparent elections.”
On its own part, the Chinese Government called on relevant parties in Gabon to focus on the fundamental interests of the country and the people, “resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, and restore normal order as soon as possible.”
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin said in a statement on Wednesday: “China closely follows the development of the situation in Gabon and calls on relevant parties in Gabon to focus on the fundamental interests of the country and the people, resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, and restore noal order as soon as possible. And also ensure the personal safety of President Bongo, maintain national peace, stability, and overall development.”
Nigerians also took to their various social media handles commenting on the development.
For instance, SportsDokita (Odogwu) on Twitter said, “I will NEVER support Coup but only God knows how bad the Bongo’s were that the removal of Ali Bongo is bringing this much joy to the the people of Gabon. See them (citizens of Gabon) snapping pictures with soldiers How hard can it be to do RIGHT by the people that
voted you in??”
Citizens of Gabon were observed to have flown into joy following the ousting of Bongo as president on Wednesday.
