Gabon: After coup, Junta dedicate mandate to God

On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, the Republican Guards took over power from Ali Bongo Ondimba, following a third mandate announcement by the electoral body.

The Centre for Gabonese Election, announced on Tuesday midnight, that Ali Bongo had won the country’s presidential polls by 64%. Hours later the military staged a coup saying the polls were marred by electoral fraud.

The junta announced Brice Clotaire Oligui, as the leader of the Transitional Council.

Before setting the stage. the military prayed to God, asking for divine favor to carry on with their mandate.

“Today is you have favored us, let the Angels be sent to accompany this army that you have chosen to rule this country…without you, we will not succeed because you are the God of success,” a military officer prayed

General Clotaire could be seen making a sign of the cross, as Catholics do.

Later, deposed president, Ali Bongo sent out a distress call, calling on his friends to “make noise” and come for his rescue.