Two soldiers who took part in Monday's attempted coup in Gabon have been killed, the president's office says. They were shot dead after security officers stormed the national radio building which they had taken over. Three others are under arrest.
The junior officers claimed they seized power "to restore democracy" in oil-rich Gabon, where the ailing leader's family has ruled for 50 years. "The situation is under control," the presidency statement said.
Five things to know about Gabon
Compared to many other African states, the former French colony has seen much less political turmoil, and has had just three presidents since 1960.
Former ruler Omar Bongo dominated Gabonese politics for almost four decades, crushing dissent
It is a major oil producer but one third of its people live in poverty.
It has a population of 1.8 million people, with an average life expectancy of 62 years. The youth unemployment rate is around 35%. The country's national symbol is the black panther.
What more do we know about President Bongo?
The president's term in office has been overshadowed by a long-running French investigation into allegations of embezzlement involving the Bongo family's assets.
Mr Bongo suffered a stroke in October in Saudi Arabia and is currently receiving treatment in Morocco.
He sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a televised new year message in which he said he was feeling fine.
Soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it "a pitiful sight" and a "relentless attempt to cling onto power."
FACEBOOK COMMENTS
Joshua Ola
This is what Buhari want to do in Nigeria if not for 2nd tenure restriction . He wouldn't mind putting 3rd tenure for himself . African leaders are just selfish
Endy Edeson
JOSHUA OLA, The senate will not allow that 3rd tenure bill to be passed if Buhari plans to do that. Nigerians will even kick against it. obasanjo did not succeed on it
Gbolahan Libra General
Hmmmmm see now that Nigeria have hope. And we will be lamenting as if our country is the worst in Africa. Imagine a less populated country that her economy ought to be managed effectively.
God bless Nigeria
God bless Nigeria
Joshua Ola
that is right. but president bongo should vacate office . Gabon is not a family business rather a country.
Endy Edeson
Libra, good evening bro. I think population is not a factor here. They are fighting for the Wealth of the country "OIL". There are bigger countries with oil , without much crisis . It's just bad leadership and greediness
Jesse Osayande Vucinic Ehiagwina
A coup likely sponsored by the US. They sent 80 military personnel to Gabon some few days ago. Bongo does need to go but the interference from the West is the biggest threat we have in Africa
Olufemi Adekunle Rotty
They should have known better, the international community all frown at coup and coupist , you succeed they wont support you and you need them to survive, planning it is like signing your own death warrant, if you cant get them to back you and then if you succeed they ask you to immediately hand over to a democratically elected government thereby isolating you.
Raphael Ajunwa
Na their wahala,we need to vote buhari out to restore unity
Niyeck Nandack
I would have wished the coup to succeed. Is the family of Bongo the only one qualified to lead the country? They have stolen so much. Why can't they just allow another person take the country to the next level. Not Buhari's type of Next Level ooooooh?
