Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Raises Concerns over Autocracy’s Spread In Africa After Gabon Coup

Following the recent coup in Gabon, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed apprehension about the growing prevalence of autocratic regimes across the African continent.

President Tinubu disclosed that he is collaborating closely with other African Union Heads of State to formulate a unified response in the wake of the coup in Gabon.

This development emerges amidst ongoing efforts to address the crisis in Niger Republic, triggered by the military overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum.

The coup in Gabon led to the annulment of the recently held election, in which Bongo had been declared the winner. The military coupists took decisive action, dissolving all institutions within Gabon and sealing the country’s borders, citing the preservation of national security and defense forces as their rationale.

Noureddin Bongo Valentin, one of President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s sons, was also apprehended on charges of “treason.” Ali Bongo Ondimba himself was placed under house arrest, accompanied by some family members. A statement conveyed on state TV revealed that Bongo was under house arrest, with his family and doctors present.

A prominent military figure disclosed that the detainees were facing accusations of treason, embezzlement, corruption, and forgery of the president’s signature, among other charges.

In a poignant video message, Ali Bongo Ondimba beseeched his international associates to amplify awareness of his removal from office, saying, “My name is Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon. I am sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world to tell them to make noise, to make noise.”