The coup follows accusations of fraud in the recent election, where Bongo was declared the winner.
The military officers, who made an announcement on TV, have also arrested one of Bongo’s sons on charges of treason. This development puts an end to bongo’s family’s 55-year grip on power in the oil rich African nation. In a video message, president Bongo confirmed his house arrest and asked for help.
The military leaders have declared the election results null and void, dissolved the republic’s institutions, and closed the country’s borders indefinitely. This coup is the eighth of its kind in former French colonies in Africa in the past three years. There have been widespread celebrations among citizens, who seem delighted at the end of the Bongo family’s reign.
