Gabon opposition calls for return to civilian rule

gabonese

People celebrate in support of the putschists in a street of Libreville, Gabon August 30, 2023. PHOTO | REUTERS

Gabon's main opposition group, Alternance 2023, urged the international community on Friday to encourage the junta that overthrew President Ali Bongo this week to hand power back to civilians.

Military officers seized power in a coup on Wednesday minutes after an announcement that Bongo had secured a third term in an election, ending his family's nearly 60-year hold on power.