Gabon’s Government has claimed that political situation is under control following an attempted coup.
Government spokesman Bertrand Mapangou claimed that all five military officers who had tried to take over the early morning have been apprehended.
It is claimed that officers, junior in rank, had seized power in a bid to ‘restore democracy in the oil rich nation.
A video circulating on social media shows three young army officers in military fatigues holding guns.
They took control of the national radio station at 04:30 local time (03:30 GMT).
Lt Kelly Ondo Obiang, who claimed that he represented a group called the Patriotic Movement of the Defence and Security Forces of Gabon, appealed to young people to “take charge of their destiny”.
The alleged coup would mean the end of 50-year Bongo’s family rule.
President Ali Bongo succeeded his father Omar Bongo. In a poll that was marred by violence and fraud, he took over the helms of power as president in 2009.
Radio France Internationale reported that one of those who instigated the coup was found hiding under a bed.
“The situation is calm. The gendarmes who are often stationed there have taken control of the entire area around the radio and TV headquarters, so everything is back to normal”, said Mapangou.
