Ali Bongo, the ousted president of Gabon, has reached out to his global acquaintances through a brief video message, confirming the occurrence of a coup within the nation.
The unofficial address, lasting 51 seconds, was circulated on social media and depicts Bongo situated within a room at the presidential palace. He urges his international associates to raise their voices against his apprehension, which took place subsequent to the military’s announcement of his removal during the early hours of Wednesday, August 30.
Bongo also acknowledges his current isolation at the presidential residence, revealing that his son has been detained elsewhere, while his wife is held at a separate location. He introduces himself as Ali Bongo Ondimba, the former president of Gabon, and urges friends worldwide to vocalize their support.
He states, “The people here have arrested me and my family, my son is somewhere, my wife is in another place and I am at the residence. Nothing is happening. I don’t know what is going on. So I am telling you to make noise, to make noise, to make noise really. Thank you.”
In line with emerging reports, Ali Bongo’s well-known son, Valentin Bongo Ondimba, has been apprehended by the junta on charges that include embezzlement. Other sources indicate allegations of treason against him.
Following the junta’s declaration of Bongo’s ousting, hundreds of individuals gathered on the streets of the capital city, Libreville, to express jubilation.
Ali Bongo, who had governed for a period of 14 years, now seeks international solidarity amid this tumultuous turn of events.
