Buhari condemns Gabonese coup attempt saying the era of military rule in Africa is long over

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent coup d'état in Gabon urging the soldiers there to respect the country's constitutional bodies pointing out that the days of military administrations across Africa are over.

Earlier this week, Gabonese soldiers seized from the ailing President Ali Bongo, who is receiving treatment abroad. President Bongo, who has been in office since October 2009, took over from his father Omar Bongo, who governed the country from 1967 until his death in 2009.

Over the last few days, the authorities in Gabon have described the political situation as being under control, pointing out that all five of the rebels who tried to take over have now been arrested. Two days ago, Lt Kelly Obiang, who said 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.

President said: “The military officers in Gabon should understand that the era of military coups and governments in Africa and indeed worldwide, is long gone. Democracy is supreme and the constitutional stipulations on the peaceful change of administration must be respected.

“That is the only way we can ensure peace and stability not only within the country but also in the region.” President Buhari, who is also the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, advised military officers with political ambitions to resign or face their constitutional role.