Bongo, 64, who took over from his father Omar in 2009, was placed under housearrest and one of his sons arrested for treason, the coup leaders said. "Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political,economic and social crisis," according to the statement read on state TV. The elections "did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible andinclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon," the statementsaid. - Disputed election -Bongo was first elected in 2009 following the death of his father Omar, whohad ruled the country for 41 years, reputedly amassing a fortune en route. The coup announcement came just moments after the national election authoritydeclared Bongo had won a third term in Saturday's election with 64.27 percentof the vote.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha August 30, 2023 16:00 UTC