In a surprise move, high-ranking military officers have stormed the Gabonese national television, shaking the nation with the announcement that they have seized control.

Just days after the national election authority declared President Ali Bongo Ondimba victorious for a third term, the unexpected manoeuvre has plunged Gabon into uncertainty.

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There are some parallels between Niger and Gabon as French influence faces successive blows, with the latest coup in Gabon leading to questions about Francophone Africa's future
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Identifying themselves as representatives of key branches within the security forces, the army officers declared the nullification of the recent weekend’s election results.

Simultaneously, they placed the government on hold and effectively sealed the nation’s borders, casting an air of uncertainty over the resource-rich West African nation’s future.

FACT FILE: GABON
Gabon, often referred to as Africa’s Eden due to its abundant forests and diverse wildlife, also holds a significant position as one of the continent’s prominent oil producers
The response from President Bongo or his government was not immediately forthcoming, leaving the nation and the world in suspense.

In swift turn of events, the sound of gunfire erupted in the streets of Gabon’s capital, Libreville, shortly following the broadcast’s conclusion.

Reports indicate that the gunshots originated from the vicinity of the presidential residence, further intensifying the intrigue enveloping the oil-rich nation.

President Bongo, 64, is now under house arrest, surrounded by his family and doctors. The military said that one of the leader’s sons was under arrest for “treason”. The army has put forward the head of the presidential guard as the leader of the transition.