Gabons president Ali Bongo has been ousted and a group of military officials has taken power, according to reports. The coup took place in the capital city of Libreville, where the military officials arrested President Bongo and some of his closest political allies. Shortly after, high-ranking military officials appeared on national television and declared that they had taken control of the country. They stated that they were ending the current regime in order to defend peace. Ali Bongo has been placed under house arrest, according to the coup leaders. Brice Oligui Nguema, the man who has been identified as the new leader, said that President Bongo has been ”retired” in an interview with French newspaper Le Monde. The situation in the country remains unclear, and it is unknown how much control the coup leaders have. Gabon has experienced previous coup attempts, and the Bongo family has ruled the country for over 50 years. Gabon has significant oil and mineral resources, but a large portion of the population lives in poverty.
