Gabonese military officials under the oversight of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions declared on national television their reasons for assuming power from President Ali Bongo in Gabon. They cited severe crises in institutions, politics, economics, and society as the driving factors behind the coup, which they deemed necessary for the advancement of the Central African nation.
In a broadcast delivered in French but translated to English by AFP, the group expressed, "Historically, Gabon has been a sanctuary of peace. However, the country is presently grappling with significant crises across institutions, politics, economics, and society. Regrettably, the general elections held on August 26, 2023, did not fulfill the prerequisites for a transparent, credible, and all-inclusive vote, as anticipated by the Gabonese people."
"In addition, a lack of responsible and predictable governance has contributed to the ongoing erosion of social unity, thereby posing a potential threat of turmoil. Today, on August 30, 2023, we, the defense and security forces, united as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), acting on behalf of the Gabonese people and as guardians of the institutions, have made the decision to safeguard peace by terminating the current regime. Consequently, the results of the general elections held on August 26, 2023, are invalidated."
"The national borders will remain closed until further notice. The junta has resolved that all existing institutions in the country, including the Federal Government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and the Gabonese Elections Centre, will be dissolved."
"The public, the communities of neighboring countries residing in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora are urged to remain calm and composed. We reiterate our commitment to upholding Gabon's obligations to both the national and international communities. People of Gabon, we are embarking on a journey toward a brighter future. May Gabon be blessed by God and the spirits of our ancestors. We uphold honor and loyalty to our homeland."
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